Giorgia Meloni stands out for a notable strength in her political career: patience. When Mario Draghi stepped down and a new leadership path began in Italy, the current Prime Minister pledged at rallies to deliver systemic changes within the domestic landscape. Since taking office in October 2022, Meloni and her government have quietly but steadily advanced a reform agenda, showing that her stated commitments were not hollow promises.
From business to justice and immigration, through the channels of Italy’s public media system, changes have been set in motion. In just eight months of governance, several reforms moved forward while others faced delays or opposition. Some measures targeted institutions whose traditional powers were questioned, and there is a perception that the state’s structure is undergoing a reconfiguration.
Perhaps the most symbolic shift concerns the judicial sector. Italian judges have long been praised for independence; they now find themselves in a contentious dynamic with the Executive, which has pursued reforms that stirred controversy. A bill aimed at limiting abuses of office and curbing certain investigative powers was placed before the Council of Ministers and is awaiting parliamentary debate.
from justice to television
The confrontation with the judiciary has taken a direct form. In recent days, government sources confirmed an agreement following a criminal investigation involving a minister, while unofficial notes suggested judges could be accused of trying to influence political developments. Statements from industry figures were highlighted, including remarks from a high-profile judge and the president of a national association of judges who warned about possible repercussions for the sector.
Further changes followed. A labor reform was approved on June 29, with the aim of clarifying rules around temporary contracts and labor relations. The citizenship income, a hallmark measure of the Five Star Movement, faced significant recalibration amid rising poverty estimates reported by Caritas. Under the new rules, extensions for temporary contracts were broadened, changing the terms that previously allowed shorter durations.
Meloni also challenged wage policies by signaling a stronger stance on industrial growth and calling for greater contributions from the business community, especially from northern industry leaders who urged a robust national strategy to support growth.
The interventionist approach also touched RAI, Italy’s public broadcaster, with leadership changes and a wave of departures from journalists aligned with the government line. In parallel, Meloni’s allies in business began to expand their influence in the press, as illustrated by notable acquisitions and ongoing negotiations in media outlets.
new strategies
There is a sense of urgency behind the push for regional autonomy, a proposal backed by Matteo Salvini that would grant more powers to some regions. The European Commission has expressed skepticism, warning that broader regional autonomy could complicate public spending oversight and risk reducing access to European funds. Alongside this, Meloni has discussed a presidential or semi-presidential framework for Italy, a topic actively debated within the country though not yet codified into a final proposal.
Immigration policy has evolved as well. Meloni has sought to balance strict national controls with pragmatic diplomacy, aiming to minimize direct clashes with Brussels while pursuing tougher management of search and rescue missions. Her approach has shifted the focus away from large-scale NGO-led rescues toward a model that prioritizes predefined landing points for arrivals.
With the center-left opposition appearing to drift, Meloni has pushed forward her agenda with limited resistance. The government side has moved to limit surrogacy measures within the domestic political debate, a contentious issue for the opposition leader who has signaled support for reforms some view as aligning with government priorities.