In the southern Italian port city of Bari on Friday, over 10,000 supporters will gather to commemorate a milestone that once seemed improbable: 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-lasting 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 mark the government’s record longevity.
Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s first female leader, emerged in politics with a persona rooted in combat and defiance. 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.
Despite her reputation for fighting, Meloni’s governing style has been characterized more by caution than confrontation. She strategically navigated the political landscape, maintaining her party’s position in opposition while other major parties joined the government, eventually forming a right-wing coalition that secured a parliamentary majority.
Meloni’s ability to balance her fiery political identity with pragmatic governance has allowed her to defy odds and maintain popularity. Although her strength in polls does not necessarily indicate overwhelming support for her government, her credibility and leadership within the coalition remain strong.
While Meloni’s government has been commended for fiscal discipline, critics argue that deeper structural changes are needed to drive economic growth and address societal challenges in Italy. As the elections approach, Meloni faces pressure from the right, with rivals positioning themselves to challenge her stance on key issues.
After a remarkable 1,413 days in power, Giorgia Meloni’s political acumen will be put to the test as Italians evaluate whether she can translate stability into lasting transformation at the polls next year.