Giorgia Meloni has emerged as a resilient political figure who adapts to changing circumstances. The strategy she employs blends assertiveness with calculated restraint, choosing when to push hard and when to allow opponents to break under pressure. Her post-fascist roots are sometimes cited, yet she also presents a more moderate public image. She engages with Italy’s most sensitive national issues, while maintaining distance from what she views as external or internal threats. Both within and beyond the European Union, she has demonstrated a readiness to act since leading a historic electoral coalition that positioned her party as a dominant force in Italian politics and marked her as the country’s first female prime minister.
In the weeks following the vote, Italy faced a mix of concern and curiosity. Meloni’s early posture was firm and, at times, controversial. Critics pointed to limited party depth in key staff roles and to alliances with other right-leaning or Eurosceptic parties in Europe. Some argued these ties would intensify the political heat at home and abroad.
Yet Meloni rapidly put policy into practice. She signaled a steadier Atlantic alignment and provided robust support for Ukraine and the broader European project, while urging dialogue with the EU on disputed questions. Her government passed the first budget and engaged in a prolonged debate with France over immigration, a dispute later softened by a high-level, results-focused engagement with French President Emmanuel Macron. European diplomats have described the period as less threatening than initial headlines suggested.
Occupying the political stage
Whether seen as credible or not, Meloni benefited from a divided opposition that hampered decisive governance. Her leadership style concentrated political power, guiding reforms across government operations, social policy, and public broadcasting, while extending government reach with decrees that broadened the scope of executive action. Critics note that public television, especially RAI, underwent notable changes under her tenure, and state media landscape shifted in ways that aligned with her political narrative. Some analysts describe this as a retreat from the traditional balance between media and government, while supporters argue it reflects a pragmatic reordering of national priorities.
Observers with a close view, including senior journalists and political scientists, have described Meloni as a leader who combines a strong political instinct with carefully managed messaging. They point to the strategic use of media outlets and the framing of policy as evidence of disciplined, centralized decision-making. The dynamic also features a clear effort to cast her administration as steady and conservative, while maintaining coordination with the broader conservative camp within Europe. Relations with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen illustrate this balance, with allies saying both sides need each other, even as the political horizon will shift with future European elections.
Recent gains and challenges
At this stage, Meloni’s party remains a major political force in Italy. Polls show the party leading among voters, with a support base concentrated in the governing coalition alongside the League and Forza Italia, while opposition parties such as the Democratic Party, Five Star Movement, and others remain competitive in different regions. These dynamics reflect a complex national landscape in which broad consensus is difficult to maintain and government partners influence policy directions.
Immigration policy continues to be a defining issue. While the government has pursued stricter controls, the country has faced ongoing migration flows. Economic performance remains a critical factor in shaping public perception, with GDP growth projections and fiscal considerations influencing both domestic policy and European negotiations. The discussion around a European sovereign fund to support regional industry also features in debates about Italy’s role in the EU and how shared fiscal tools could support national recovery and growth.