On a dock in the southern Italian city of Bari, over 10,000 supporters will gather on Friday to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 1,413 consecutive days in office for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, surpassing the record set by Silvio Berlusconi’s administration. This achievement will be commemorated with a rally organized by Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party at Bari’s port, where she will be joined by ministers, lawmakers, and enthusiasts to mark the government’s longevity.
In a country that has seen 68 governments in the 80 years since World War II, this record reflects more on Meloni’s leadership than on Italy itself. Meloni, the first female Prime Minister of Italy, emerged from a working-class background in Rome and entered politics through the post-fascist Italian Social Movement. Known for her resilience and defiance, she attributes her drive to resistance, stating that a ‘No’ motivates her the most.
Despite her combative public image, Meloni’s governing style is characterized by caution rather than confrontation. She has demonstrated patience and strategic decision-making, notably by maintaining her party’s independence during the formation of Mario Draghi’s coalition government in 2021. Following the collapse of Draghi’s government in 2022, Meloni assumed power leading a right-wing coalition, navigating alliances with other parties and aligning with EU fiscal rules.
Meloni’s blend of fiery political identity and pragmatic governance has defied expectations, with her party polling above its previous election results. Despite this, her support may not necessarily reflect an overwhelming endorsement of her government but rather a preference for her leadership over alternatives. Within her coalition, Meloni maintains a strong position, emphasizing traditional values and focusing on issues such as migration and foreign policy.
While Meloni’s political acumen has ensured her longevity in office, some critics argue that her cautious approach has hindered structural reforms needed for economic growth in Italy. Although praised for fiscal discipline, her government has been criticized for not addressing key challenges such as low productivity and demographic issues. As the upcoming elections loom, Meloni faces pressure from the right, with rivals challenging her stance on various social and political issues.
After a record-breaking tenure of 1,413 days, Meloni’s ability to balance stability and change will be put to the test at the polls next year. Her success in transforming political stability into lasting progress remains a key question for Italian voters as they evaluate her leadership.