Key facts
- Giorgia Meloni's government has become the longest-serving in Italian Republic history, surpassing Silvio Berlusconi's record of 1,412 consecutive days.
- Meloni, 49, tops current polls and is considering electoral reforms to consolidate power.
- Critics argue Meloni has failed to revive Italy's stagnant economy and address migration effectively.
- On the international stage, Meloni has built strong relationships with European leaders, contrasting with Berlusconi's more tumultuous foreign relations.
- Italy faces economic challenges, including a forecasted recession and increasing national debt.
Giorgia Meloni's government has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the longest-serving in the history of the Italian Republic since World War II, surpassing the previous record held by Silvio Berlusconi. Meloni's administration has now been in power for 1,412 consecutive days.
As Meloni prepares to mark this record, the political landscape remains dynamic. While she enjoys high approval ratings and tops polls, questions persist about her government's accomplishments, particularly concerning the stagnant economy and efforts to curb migration. Critics argue that focus has been placed on consolidating power through measures like electoral reform, rather than addressing pressing economic issues.
On the international front, Meloni has cultivated a more stable and credible image compared to her predecessor, Berlusconi. She has forged strong relationships with key European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and has influenced EU policy on migration and trade. This stability has bolstered Italy's international standing.
However, Meloni faces considerable economic headwinds. Italy is forecast to enter a recession, and its national debt is projected to surpass Greece's, making it Europe's most indebted country. Rising energy prices and increased defense spending requirements limit her fiscal flexibility for pre-election budget measures.
The political right in Italy is also seeing shifts, with the emergence of figures like former General Roberto Vannacci potentially challenging Meloni's dominance. Some analysts suggest that while Meloni has inherited and currently leads the existing political architecture, she has yet to define her own distinct political era in the way Berlusconi did.
Meloni's party, Brothers of Italy, relies on support from a segment of the electorate that has historically been volatile. The government is pursuing electoral reforms that could grant the winning coalition a bonus, echoing a strategy previously employed by Berlusconi. A potential second term with a reinforced majority could position Meloni for future political ambitions, including a potential bid for the presidency.