On a quay in Bari, a southern Italian port city, more than 10,000 supporters will gather on Friday to commemorate a significant milestone for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government. The number in focus is 1,413, representing the consecutive days her government has been in power as of Sept. 4, surpassing the previous record set by Silvio Berlusconi’s administration and establishing itself as the longest-lasting government in postwar Italian history.
To celebrate this achievement, a rally organized by Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party will take place at Bari’s port, where the prime minister will be joined by ministers, lawmakers, and other supporters for a jubilant event honoring the government’s remarkable longevity.
In a country that has witnessed 68 different governments over the past 80 years since World War II, this record-breaking feat speaks volumes not only about Italy but also about Meloni herself. The first female leader of Italy, Meloni’s ascent to power was shaped by a persona centered on combativeness and defiance.
Having entered politics in the 1990s through the youth movement of the post-fascist Italian Social Movement, Meloni, 49, emerged as a prominent figure known for her resilience. Her political communication style is deeply personal, with her famous rallying cry, “I am Giorgia, I am a woman, I am a mother, I am Italian, I am Christian,” even inspiring a dance remix.
Despite her combative image, Meloni’s governing approach is characterized more by caution than confrontation. Unlike many male leaders in Italy’s tumultuous political landscape, Meloni’s strength lies in her ability to exercise patience and avoid overreaching.
Prior to assuming office, Meloni maintained her party’s position in opposition while other major parties joined Mario Draghi’s coalition government. Following the collapse of Draghi’s administration in 2022, Meloni formed a right-wing coalition, securing a clear parliamentary majority. She has demonstrated pragmatism by aligning with European Union fiscal rules, supporting Ukraine, and maintaining stability within her coalition.
Meloni’s success can be attributed to her fiery political identity combined with a pragmatic governance style. Polls indicate that Brothers of Italy is polling slightly above its 2022 election results, a rarity in Italian politics where governing parties typically experience a decline in support shortly after taking office.
As the upcoming elections loom, Meloni faces challenges from the right, with former general Roberto Vannacci emerging as a formidable opponent. Despite her record-setting tenure of 1,413 days in power, the ultimate test for Meloni will be whether she can translate political stability into lasting change, a question that will be answered at the polls next year.