Italy’s new prime minister Giorgia Meloni saw her government take shape as Parliament completed the final step in a lengthy confirmation process on Wednesday, backed by the ruling coalition that won last month’s general election. With the Senate approving the plan, Meloni secured an absolute majority, receiving 115 votes out of 200, a result bolstered by the Brothers of Italy and coalition partners including Matteo Salvini’s League and Forza Italia led by Silvio Berlusconi, along with the “We moderate” group.
In the opposition camp, 79 senators voted against the progressive Democratic Party, the Five Star Movement, and other smaller groups, while five abstained. The investment in Italy was approved in two parliamentary readings. The Senate vote completed the process by garnering 235 votes in favor out of 400, following the House of Representatives’ support a day earlier. Meloni, the country’s first female prime minister, had already been sworn in before President Sergio Mattarella last weekend after the general election held on September 25 and securing about 26 percent of the vote with her allies.
True to form, Meloni did not deliver a long inaugural speech in the Senate, choosing instead to address the chamber briefly, inviting senators to voice doubts, praise, or views on the matter. The prior day she outlined her government program for the next five years, signaling a pro-European stance while calling for reforms including tax amnesty and a firm stance against fascism.
Today, in her parliamentary response, Meloni reiterated support for Ukraine’s resistance and discussed energy strategy and public health. She urged the opposition to evaluate proposed measures objectively rather than ideologically, emphasizing openness to constructive debate.
She stated, “We have always maintained an open opposition because debate is the salt of democracy. There are many issues where there is no ideological conflict, and we can discuss them honestly. I hope the opposition will have the courage and loyalty to engage with these policies and decide whether to vote for them.”
The Senate speech came as Berlusconi marked a significant return nine years after his expulsion following the Mediaset tax-evasion case. The 86-year-old businessman described his comeback as a moment of happiness and reaffirmed his commitment to the West, the European Union, and the Atlantic Alliance.
Interestingly, recent statements had reignited controversy after implying a friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and casting blame on Ukraine for the war, prompting a firm response from Meloni. In her remarks, she asserted a clear and persuasive stance on the matter, leaving little room for doubt or compromise.