Italy is marking the end of an era as outgoing Prime Minister Mario Draghi reflects on his tenure, describing the closing stretch as an extraordinary experience that brought both challenges and satisfaction. At a farewell gathering with journalists who covered his administration, President Sergio Mattarella commended the former premier for his excellent work, underscoring the sense of duty that defined his leadership during a pivotal period for the country.
Draghi, who previously led the European Central Bank, spoke about his time in office with a sense of accomplishment and humility. He acknowledged the long and demanding journey, noting that the last twenty months were filled with lessons and moments of genuine happiness despite their difficulty. He told reporters at the Chigi Palace, the government’s seat of power, that the experience had been extraordinarily rich and that it concluded in a manner he finds highly satisfactory. He emphasized that the collective effort of his government had produced tangible results that the public could recognize, reinforcing the impression of effective governance during a time of national trials.
In a political landscape defined by a reshaping of leadership, Draghi outlined the transition plan and expressed gratitude for the support received from various political actors. He confirmed that a transition of power would occur, as Giorgia Meloni, representing a right-leaning coalition, stood poised to assume the role of head of government in the near term. Draghi framed this change as a moment of national unity, thanking journalists for their coverage during a period marked by crisis and upheaval since February 2021, and he acknowledged that he would be handing over responsibilities to Meloni in the days ahead.
The country’s resilience during the health emergency and the energy crisis was a recurring theme in Draghi’s remarks. He highlighted the way his administration stayed focused on citizens, managed difficult information flows, and helped the public navigate an evolving situation. The leadership’s steady approach served as a cornerstone for confidence in Italian democracy, which Draghi described as having received strong, practical support from the people during turbulent times.
Following the press farewell, Draghi joined a working dinner with several government ministers to discuss upcoming administrative tasks and the next steps in coordinating ongoing policy initiatives with President Mattarella. His international engagements, including a recent stop in Brussels and meetings with European partners, were cast as part of a broader farewell chapter rather than isolated actions, signaling a sense of continuity and a dignified transition on the international stage.
President Mattarella expressed appreciation for the achievements of the Draghi administration, noting the “excellent work and proud results achieved” in recent months. With the government preparing to shift gears, Mattarella’s remarks underscored the importance of stability and continuity as the country moves forward under new leadership and the incoming administration prepares to organize itself for governing responsibilities.
Draghi had already said goodbye to cabinet members about ten days earlier, signaling his willingness to support a smooth transition that would allow Meloni and her team to take up duties without delay. He stressed the importance of a clear and orderly handover, intended to minimize disruption and ensure that new ministers could begin work immediately upon taking office. The aim was to facilitate a seamless transfer of power that would enable the government to hit the ground running.
As the political clock ticks toward the inauguration of the Meloni administration, Draghi reiterated that the forthcoming directorate would assume the responsibilities of government in due course. He spoke of the election outcomes as a mandate for change, but he also emphasized the need for orderly procedures that would secure a stable start for the new coalition, which includes Matteo Salvini’s far-right League and Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia. This coalition holds a majority in the newly elected Parliament and signals the path ahead for Italy’s policy agenda in a time of economic and social transition.