Italy’s outgoing prime minister, Mario Draghi, pledged on Wednesday to oversee a stable transfer of power toward a new government formed after the coalition led by Giorgia Meloni — the head of the Brothers of Italy party — secured victory. Draghi spoke amid a flurry of headlines about how political power will shift and how reforms will be carried out. He stressed that the transition would occur within proper institutional channels and remain within the bounds of public governance and European commitments.
Meloni, who has not appeared publicly since election night, pushed back on some reported quotes about deals with Draghi, calling them surreal and arbitrarily reconstructed. The leader of Brothers of Italy argued that those attributions were invented and inaccurate. The conversation during the campaign centered on whether her coalition would still support Ukraine amidst the war initiated by Vladimir Putin. Meloni’s stance has drawn attention given the apparent sympathy some associates in the League and Forza Italia have shown toward Moscow.
In a direct outreach to Ukraine’s leadership, Meloni appeared to address President Volodymyr Zelensky, extending more than formal congratulations from other world leaders. The message urged Kyiv to stay strong and faithful to its cause, reinforcing the coalition’s public insistence on steadfast support for Ukrainian sovereignty amid the ongoing conflict.
Message to Brussels
Meanwhile, Draghi sent a letter to Brussels with a conciliatory tone and a clear intent to address concerns among traditional allies regarding Italy’s political change and upcoming European commitments. Italy affirmed that it is pursuing the European recovery plan’s goals and aims to advance several benchmarks before year end, signaling a commitment to meet targets ahead of schedule and ensure continuity in its EU obligations.
Rome signaled that it intends to press ahead with multiple targets in September and October, with Draghi indicating that the current government would remain in office until a new administration is inaugurated, a transition that is expected to occur toward the end of the coming month. The coordination between the government and the coalition parties underscored a shared aim: maintain stability while aligning domestic policy with European frameworks.
The day’s developments were also marked by a joint note from Italy and the League, noting that Meloni and Matteo Salvini had held a meeting to smooth the path for a stable coalition government. The statement described the talks as conducted in a cooperative spirit with a unified sense of purpose, signaling an intent to bridge disputes over leadership roles and the distribution of power in the new government.
Salvini, immigration policy in the spotlight
Salvini underscored the central theme of border security and rule of law, calling for leadership that would safeguard Italy’s borders and empower law enforcement. His comments pointed to the direction the country appears poised to take on immigration, emphasizing the need for strong governance and public safety as core priorities.
The political moment remains sensitive as Parliament reconvenes in October, with the presidency of Sergio Mattarella expected to set a timetable for consultations. If all proceeds smoothly, Meloni could be tasked with forming a government and presenting a list of potential ministers for evaluation and formal approval by the president. The exercise of forming a government is being watched closely by observers in Canada, the United States, and beyond, as it could influence Europe’s approach to regional security, economic policy, and the alliance with Western partners.
Meloni has already begun weighing names for her cabinet, a process that involves balancing each coalition party’s influence and credibility. The Brothers of Italy bring new energy to national politics, while Forza Italia and the League contribute seasoned figures who have previously held major offices. The negotiations reflect a broader reality: coalition governance often requires compromises, strategic portfolios, and a shared commitment to advancing economic and security agendas that resonate with voters in Italy as well as allied democracies abroad.