On Friday, in Bari, a southern Italian port city, over 10,000 supporters will gather to celebrate a milestone once deemed improbable in Italy: 1,413. This number represents the consecutive days Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has survived as of Sept. 4, surpassing the previous record set by Silvio Berlusconi’s administration and becoming the longest-lasting government in the postwar era of the Italian Republic.
To commemorate this achievement, a rally organized by Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party will take place at Bari’s port, with the prime minister, ministers, lawmakers, and other supporters coming together to celebrate the government’s record longevity. In a country that has seen 68 governments in the 80 years since World War II, this milestone reflects more on Meloni’s leadership than on Italy’s political landscape.
Meloni, Italy’s first female leader, emerged in politics with a persona centered on combat and defiance. Raised by her mother in Rome’s Garbatella neighborhood, Meloni, 49, entered politics through the post-fascist Italian Social Movement’s youth movement in the 1990s. Describing herself as an “underdog,” she draws motivation from resistance, stating that a ‘No’ is a powerful mobilizing force for her.
Known for her fiery political identity, Meloni has governed with pragmatism rather than confrontation. She has shown restraint in her leadership, avoiding the overreach that has undone many male leaders in Italian politics. Meloni’s government, formed after the collapse of Mario Draghi’s administration in 2022, comprises a right-wing coalition with a clear parliamentary majority, maintaining stability by adhering to European Union fiscal rules and supporting Ukraine.
Despite her strong political identity, Meloni has managed to navigate the challenges of governing by balancing rhetoric with policy decisions. Her approach to migration exemplifies this balance, as she focused on reducing sea arrivals while also authorizing legal entries for non-EU workers to address labor shortages. In foreign policy, Meloni’s attempt to bridge relations with the U.S., particularly with Donald Trump, faced challenges but showcased her adaptability.
Meloni’s ability to adapt without compromising her core values has garnered credibility among voters. Her emphasis on traditional values, family, and national identity resonates with the conservative electorate in Italy. However, economists point out that while Meloni’s government has maintained fiscal discipline, it has not addressed deeper structural issues affecting Italy’s economic growth and societal challenges.
As Meloni approaches elections next year, she faces pressure from the right, with opponents challenging her stance on immigration, security, and social issues. Despite her record-breaking tenure, the question remains whether Meloni can translate political stability into lasting change, a decision that Italian voters may determine at the polls next year.