Premier Giorgia Meloni's conservative administration has become Italy's longest-serving uninterrupted government since World War II, reaching 1,413 days on Thursday and surpassing the previous record set by Silvio Berlusconi between 2001 and 2005. Meloni, the country's first female prime minister, took office in October 2022 leading the first government with roots in a neo-fascist party, a development that initially caused unease among European allies and financial markets.
Meloni's government has been characterized by its stability, a rarity in Italian politics. This period of uninterrupted governance is a central theme of her reelection campaign. Despite initial concerns, Meloni has largely pursued a pragmatic approach, maintaining support for Ukraine, engaging with European institutions, and adhering to fiscal discipline. Her relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump has been noted as a significant foreign policy asset.
Supporters attribute the government's longevity and perceived success to Meloni's determination, work ethic, and meticulous approach. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that Meloni has earned international credibility through her dedication, though he noted that domestic achievements have not been as widely recognized. Ahead of the next election, due by the end of 2027, the focus is shifting from Meloni's ability to govern to whether her administration has delivered sufficient results for voters to grant it another term.
Supporters highlight economic achievements such as tighter public finances, the rollback of costly measures, over a million new jobs, and unemployment below 6%, alongside a significant decrease in migrant arrivals. Crosetto suggested these are important outcomes, even if duration does not automatically equate to results.
However, critics argue that Meloni's domestic impact has been underwhelming, with persistent issues like a stagnant economy and high inflation remaining unaddressed. Political analyst Lorenzo Pregliasco noted that while the government has been stable, it has not enacted significant structural reforms. Opposition leaders, including former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, have pointed to the rising cost of living, stating that while the government celebrates, Italians are not experiencing similar benefits.
Meloni's tenure has also seen her evolve from a nationalist outsider to a more prominent European leader, which has reassured investors and international counterparts. Her handling of international relations, including a public disagreement with Trump where she asserted "Italy doesn't beg," was seen by some as a demonstration of her ability to defend national interests while maintaining key relationships.
Some experts suggest Meloni's greatest accomplishments have been on the European stage, where Italy has shed its image as a "black sheep." Her ability to balance nationalist stances with tactical governance has contributed to the mainstreaming of Europe's hard-right parties. Supporters view her evolution as proof that nationalist conservatives can govern responsibly within democratic frameworks and Western alliances.
Conversely, her moderation has also opened space for more conservative challengers. Figures like retired army General Roberto Vannacci have emerged, with Vannacci accusing Meloni of abandoning core promises to adopt an institution-friendly image appealing to European and U.S. allies. This stance could potentially draw away conservative voters and lawmakers who feel Meloni has compromised too much in her pursuit of stability.