Giorgia Meloni's First Year in Italian Politics

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who leads the Brothers of Italy party, has completed her first year in office, facing a series of intricate challenges. Her coalition government, marking a historic first for Italy, with Meloni as the country's first female Prime Minister, was initially perceived as the most right-wing government since Benito Mussolini's era.

At home, Meloni has balanced a complex agenda. She aimed to please her rightist supporters by implementing policies that defend traditional family values, protect Italy's cultural heritage, and address the sensitive issue of immigration. However, these efforts were overshadowed by the stark economic challenges. Italy's GDP contracted by 0.4% in the second quarter, making it exceedingly difficult for Meloni to fulfill her promises of tax cuts and stimulate economic growth while grappling with Italy's massive debt, which amounts to 140% of the national output.

On the international front, Meloni's government has actively pursued diplomatic ties. She has shown strong support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and maintained an overall pro-Western and EU-friendly stance. Significantly, she has chosen to avoid confrontations with Brussels, a notable departure from her eurosceptic past.

Despite the economic and international challenges, Meloni's government has achieved remarkable domestic stability. Her party, the Brothers of Italy, has continued to dominate the polls with nearly 30% of voter support. This has been facilitated by a divided opposition, with the center-left Democratic Party (PD) and the maverick 5-Star Movement trailing behind.

Looking ahead, the challenges for Meloni's government remain formidable. The revitalization of the economy and reduction of debt heavily depend on effective implementation of EU post-COVID funds. Italy has struggled to meet Brussels' policy conditions and to efficiently allocate the received funds. In the face of these challenges, the question lingers: Can Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni navigate these turbulent waters and guide Italy toward a brighter future?