On Friday, over 10,000 supporters will gather on a quay in the southern Italian port city of Bari to commemorate a significant achievement that once seemed improbable for Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government: surpassing the milestone of 1,413 consecutive days in office on September 4. This achievement makes Meloni’s government the longest-lasting in the postwar history of the Italian Republic, overtaking the previous record set by Silvio Berlusconi’s second administration.
To mark this historic occasion, a rally organized by Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party will take place at Bari’s port. The event will see the prime minister accompanied by ministers, lawmakers, and other supporters to celebrate the government’s remarkable longevity.
In a country that has seen 68 governments come and go in the 80 years since World War II, the endurance of Meloni’s government reflects not only on Italy but also on her leadership qualities. Meloni, the first female leader of Italy, emerged in politics with a persona centered on resilience and defiance. Raised by her mother in Rome’s working-class Garbatella neighborhood after her father’s departure, Meloni, aged 49, entered politics through the youth movement of the post-fascist Italian Social Movement.
Describing herself as an “underdog,” Meloni draws motivation from resistance, stating that a firm “No” is a powerful driver for her. Her political communication resonates personally with her audience. The rallying cry that propelled her to fame – “I am Giorgia, I am a woman, I am a mother, I am Italian, I am Christian” – even inspired a dance remix.
Despite her combative image, Meloni’s governing style is characterized more by caution than confrontation. Unlike many male leaders in Italy’s political history who faltered due to overreach, Meloni has maintained her power by exercising prudence. She demonstrated patience even before assuming office by keeping her Brothers of Italy party in opposition while other major parties joined Mario Draghi’s coalition government in 2021.
Following the collapse of Draghi’s government in 2022, Meloni seized power, leading a right-wing coalition that secured a clear parliamentary majority. She transitioned from anti-Brussels rhetoric to aligning with the European Union’s fiscal rules and maintaining a pro-Ukraine stance. Meloni has also skillfully managed her coalition with Matteo Salvini’s League and Antonio Tajani’s Forza Italia.
The blend of a passionate political persona with pragmatic governance has enabled Meloni to defy the odds. Despite her enduring popularity in polls, Lorenzo Pregliasco, a leading pollster, warns that support for Meloni does not necessarily equate to overwhelming backing for the government. The key factor lies in Meloni’s perceived credibility compared to alternative leaders.
As Italy heads towards elections next year, Meloni faces pressure from the right as former general Roberto Vannacci emerges as a challenger, advocating positions to the right of Meloni on various issues. Meloni’s ability to navigate political challenges and transform stability into enduring change will be put to the test at the upcoming polls.
While Meloni’s tenure has been marked by stability and fiscal discipline, critics argue that deeper structural reforms to stimulate economic growth have been lacking. The question remains whether Meloni can translate her political longevity into tangible progress for Italy as voters prepare to cast their ballots in the upcoming elections.