Meloni Set to Become Italy's Longest-Serving Post-War Premier
Giorgia Meloni is set to become Italy's longest-serving post-war premier, surpassing Silvio Berlusconi's record, as supporters and critics debate her government's achievements.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is poised to make history this week, surpassing the record of the late Silvio Berlusconi to become the country's longest-serving post-war leader. Her tenure, which began in October 2022, will reach 1,413 days, a remarkable feat in a nation that has seen 68 governments since World War II.
Meloni's success is largely attributed to her political survival skills. Her conservative administration has avoided the crises and defections that have historically toppled Italian governments, providing a period of stability that many Italians acknowledge. Her supporters point to a decline in irregular migrant arrivals, the creation of over a million stable jobs, and a reduction in unemployment below 6% as key achievements.
However, as the record is celebrated, questions are being raised about what Italy has gained from this extended period in power. Critics argue that the government has not delivered on promised structural reforms. A referendum on judicial reform, a flagship project, was rejected by voters. Opposition leaders, including Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party and Giuseppe Conte of the Five Star Movement, contend that the government has failed to improve daily life for Italians, pointing to rising living costs and food prices.
Economists note that one of the government's most significant achievements has been changing international perceptions of Italy, shifting its image from Europe's 'black sheep' to a more credible and fiscally disciplined partner. Meloni's transformation from a nationalist outsider to a reassuring conservative leader on the global stage is seen as a key asset, particularly in her handling of relations with the US and her support for Ukraine.
As Italy looks toward elections in 2027, the central question is no longer whether Meloni can govern, but whether voters believe her government has delivered enough to deserve another term. The debate over her legacy—marked by both political durability and a perceived lack of domestic reform—will likely define her final year in office.