Italy: Meloni’s Government Becomes the Longest-Serving Since World War II

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni celebrated a historic political milestone on Friday as her hard-right government became the longest-serving administration in Italy since the end of World War II. Thousands of supporters gathered for a rally, while protesters demonstrated nearby. Meloni has now headed the government for 1,413 days, surpassing by one day the previous record held by billionaire media tycoon and former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

The milestone is particularly significant in a country that has experienced 68 governments over the past 80 years, with previous administrations often collapsing because of political crises, defections and disputes among coalition partners. Meloni, however, has so far managed to keep her governing coalition together. Supporters of the ruling party organized a ceremony to mark the occasion under the official slogan, “The Most Stable Government, the Strongest Italy.” The celebrations are expected to include light shows and DJ performances.

Supporters of the ruling party organized a ceremony to mark the occasion under the official slogan, “The Most Stable Government, the Strongest Italy.” The celebrations are expected to include light shows and DJ performances. The government is expected to highlight its achievements, including the creation of more than one million additional jobs and an alleged €21 billion ($24 billion) reduction in personal income taxes.

Italy’s financial position has also improved significantly despite its heavy debt burden. However, critics argue that greater fiscal stability has not translated into strong economic growth or an improved quality of life. Maurizio Landini, head of the CGIL trade union, said ahead of the event: “Have wages increased? No. Petrol has become more expensive, job insecurity has increased, fewer people are retiring, and the healthcare system is functioning less effectively.”

Meloni has also claimed that Italy’s international influence has grown during her tenure. However, her relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, once described as a close friendship, suffered a serious setback after she criticized Trump for attacking the Pope. Meloni’s coalition includes her Brothers of Italy party, Matteo Salvini’s far-right, anti-immigration League, and the centre-right Forza Italia party. Together, the coalition has passed around 300 laws and decrees, most of them related to security issues, ranging from minor crimes to rave parties and seasonal protests.

Meloni’s Brothers of Italy, which has its roots in the neo-fascist political tradition, won the 2022 election by campaigning against illegal immigration. The government says its policies have reduced migrant arrivals by 80 percent. However, maintaining political momentum will become more difficult as the government approaches the next election. Flavia Perina, an editorial writer for the newspaper La Stampa, said at a press conference in Rome on Thursday that Meloni would have to explain how she intends to use the final months before the vote. “That is a very interesting question,” she said.