Key facts
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government is increasingly unpopular among young voters, according to opinion polls.
- Meloni's coalition has less than 30% support among voters aged 18-34, while the opposition bloc has nearly 50%.
- Analysts cite a lack of economic reforms and a focus on law-and-order measures as reasons for youth disaffection.
- Italy has the lowest youth employment rate in the Eurozone and invests less in education compared to other EU members.
- A recent bill proposes holding minors aged 14-17 fully criminally responsible for crimes.
- Young voters played a decisive role in rejecting a justice system reform in a March referendum.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government is facing declining popularity among young voters, a trend that could significantly impact the upcoming national election in 2027. Opinion polls indicate that Meloni's rightist coalition, which includes the Brothers of Italy Party, the League, and Forza Italia, commands less than 30% of the vote among those aged 18 to 34. In contrast, the center-left opposition bloc, led by the Democratic Party, the 5-Star Movement, and the Left-Green Alliance, holds nearly 50% of this demographic's support.
Analysts suggest that the government's perceived inertia on economic reforms, coupled with a focus on law-and-order measures, has alienated younger Italians. This demographic often faces the lowest employment rates in the Eurozone and receives less investment in education compared to peers in other European countries. The government's approval rating among voters under 35 stands at 25%, compared to 35% for the general population.
Meloni's coalition also faces competition from the far-right opposition party National Future, which is polling around 7% among young people, particularly those drawn to its anti-immigrant stance. The government's security agenda has led to measures targeting rave parties, light cannabis, protests, and juvenile crime, resulting in a 50% increase in the juvenile prison population. A proposed bill would hold minors aged 14 to 17 fully criminally responsible.
Historically, young Italians have shown lower voter turnout, often abstaining rather than voting against the government. However, this trend shifted during a March referendum on justice system reform championed by Meloni. A significant majority of young voters participated and rejected the reform, highlighting their potential to influence electoral outcomes when mobilized.