In the southern Italian port city of Bari, over 10,000 supporters are set to gather on Friday to commemorate an unprecedented milestone for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government. On September 4, the government will reach 1,413 consecutive days in power, surpassing the record of Silvio Berlusconi’s second administration as the longest-lasting government in postwar Italian history.
The celebration will take place at a rally organized by Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party at Bari’s port, where the prime minister will be joined by ministers, lawmakers, and other supporters to mark the government’s remarkable longevity. In a country that has seen 68 governments come and go in the 80 years since World War II, this record speaks volumes about Meloni’s resilience and leadership.
Meloni, Italy’s first female leader, emerged in politics with a strong persona rooted in combativeness and defiance. Raised by her mother in Rome’s working-class Garbatella neighborhood, she entered politics through the youth movement of the post-fascist Italian Social Movement in the 1990s. Known as an “underdog,” Meloni draws motivation from resistance, emphasizing that a simple “No” can be a powerful motivator for her.
Despite her reputation for fighting, Meloni’s governing style leans more towards caution than confrontation. Unlike many male leaders in Italian politics who have faltered due to overreach, Meloni has maintained her staying power by knowing when not to push too hard. She showed this prudence even before taking office, opting to keep 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 with a clear parliamentary majority. She has shifted from anti-Brussels rhetoric to adhering to EU fiscal rules, supporting Ukraine, and toning down previous criticisms of the euro. Meloni has also successfully managed the sometimes-fractious alliance with Matteo Salvini’s League and Antonio Tajani’s Forza Italia.
This unique blend of a fiery political identity and pragmatic governance has enabled Meloni to defy expectations. Despite her strong polling numbers, experts note that her support is more about credibility than overwhelming affection for her government. The opposition, led by the Democratic Party and the Five Star Movement, remains divided, while Meloni maintains dominance within her coalition.
Meloni’s adeptness at adapting without compromising her core beliefs has earned her continued voter support. Her focus on nation, family, motherhood, traditional values, and conservative ideals resonates with Italy’s electorate. However, critics argue that her cautious approach, while ensuring political stability, has hindered significant structural reforms needed for economic growth, education, and labor market inclusivity.
As Meloni faces pressure from the right, particularly from former general Roberto Vannacci, who challenges her on immigration, security, and social issues, the upcoming elections will test her ability to translate stability into lasting transformation. After a record 1,413 days in power, Meloni’s political acumen in navigating challenges and opportunities will be scrutinized by voters at the polls next year.