On Friday, over 10,000 supporters will gather in the southern Italian port city of Bari to commemorate a milestone that once seemed improbable in Italian politics: 1,413 consecutive days in power for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, surpassing the previous record set by Silvio Berlusconi’s administration to become Italy’s longest-serving postwar government.
The occasion will be celebrated with 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 honor the government’s historic endurance.
In a country that has seen 68 governments come and go in the 80 years since World War II, the longevity of Meloni’s government speaks volumes about her leadership. Raised by her mother in Rome’s Garbatella neighborhood, Meloni, 49, entered politics in the 1990s through the youth movement of the post-fascist Italian Social Movement, embodying a persona centered on combat and defiance.
Despite her image as a fighter, Meloni’s governing style is characterized more by caution than confrontation. She has navigated the political landscape with prudence, avoiding overreach that has led to the downfall of many male leaders in Italy’s history.
Even before assuming office, Meloni displayed patience by keeping her Brothers of Italy party separate from major coalitions. Following the collapse of Mario Draghi’s government in 2022, Meloni formed a right-wing coalition, demonstrating a pragmatic approach by adhering to EU fiscal rules, supporting Ukraine, and maintaining stability within her alliance.
The juxtaposition of Meloni’s fiery political identity with her pragmatic governance has defied expectations, leading to her sustained popularity. While her poll numbers reflect a certain level of credibility rather than overwhelming support for her government, Meloni’s ability to adapt while staying true to her core values has resonated with voters.
In terms of policy, Meloni has struck a balance between her staunch rhetoric on migration and the need for labor from non-EU countries to address Italy’s demographic challenges. Her foreign policy stance, including a rocky relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, underscores her ability to navigate complex international dynamics.
While Meloni’s stability in power has been remarkable, critics argue that her cautious approach has hindered structural reforms needed for economic growth in a country grappling with high debt levels. As Italy heads toward elections, Meloni faces challenges from the right, with opponents like Roberto Vannacci challenging her on key issues such as immigration and social policies.
After a record 1,413 days in office, Meloni’s ability to balance resilience with adaptability will be tested at the polls next year, as Italians evaluate whether she can translate political stability into tangible change.