Why do critics link proportional representation to unstable governments?

Critics link proportional representation (PR) to unstable governments primarily because the system facilitates political fragmentation, which often necessitates the formation of coalition governments.12

Because PR ensures that even small parties can gain legislative seats, it frequently leads to multiparty systems where no single party holds an absolute majority. This creates several challenges for stability:23

• Heterogeneous Coalitions: Governments must be formed through coalitions that are often more diverse and fragile than a single-party administration.2
• Compromise and Gridlock: Because coalition partners must negotiate, the resulting government policies may not align closely with original party platforms, and the process of compromise can lead to unwieldy or unresponsive governance.12
• Accountability Issues: In coalition settings, it is often difficult for voters to hold a specific party responsible for government performance, as power is shared among multiple groups.1
• Arbitrary Formation: The selection of coalition partners can sometimes appear arbitrary, potentially resulting in governments that do not accurately reflect the broader preferences expressed by the electorate.1

Critics argue that these factors collectively weaken the government's ability to act decisively, leading to increased instability compared to systems where a single party holds a clear majority.42