In the southern Italian port city of Bari, more than 10,000 supporters are set to gather on Friday to mark a significant milestone for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government. Surpassing the record previously held by Silvio Berlusconi’s second administration, the current government has reached a historic longevity of 1,413 days, making it the longest-lasting government in the postwar history of Italy.
The celebration, organized by Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, will take place at Bari’s port, where the prime minister will be joined by ministers, lawmakers, and other supporters. This event is being hailed as a tribute to the government’s remarkable endurance in a country that has witnessed a revolving door of 68 governments in the 80 years since World War II.
Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s first female leader, emerged into the political realm with a persona centered on combativeness and defiance. Raised by her mother in Rome’s Garbatella neighborhood, Meloni, aged 49, entered politics in the 1990s through the youth movement of the post-fascist Italian Social Movement. Describing herself as an “underdog,” she draws motivation from resistance, highlighting how a ‘No’ propels her into action.
Known for her distinctive communication style, Meloni gained fame with her rallying cry, “I am Giorgia, I am a woman, I am a mother, I am Italian, I am Christian,” which even inspired a dance remix. Despite her confrontational image, Meloni’s governing approach has been characterized by prudence rather than aggression.
Amidst Italy’s political landscape marred by male leaders undone by excessive assertiveness, Meloni has sustained her leadership by exercising caution and strategic decision-making. Even before assuming office, she opted to keep her Brothers of Italy party in opposition during Mario Draghi’s coalition government, a move that paid off when she later took power leading a right-wing coalition.
Meloni’s ability to balance her fiery political identity with pragmatic governance has enabled her to maintain a stable coalition with Matteo Salvini’s League and Antonio Tajani’s Forza Italia. This unique blend has contributed to her resilience in the face of fluctuating political support, according to pollster Lorenzo Pregliasco.
While Meloni’s durability is acknowledged, economist Veronica De Romanis points out that her cautious approach has hindered structural reforms needed for economic growth in a country grappling with significant debt levels. Despite maintaining fiscal discipline, Meloni’s government has not sufficiently addressed issues such as low productivity, education spending, and labor market challenges.
As Italy prepares for upcoming elections, Meloni faces a new challenge from the right, exemplified by former general Roberto Vannacci who is positioning himself as a rival on immigration, security, and social issues. After a record-breaking tenure of 1,413 days, Meloni’s ability to translate stability into lasting change will be scrutinized by Italian voters in the upcoming polls.