Journalist: Meloni Plays by Euro-Atlantic Rules

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has broken Silvio Berlusconi’s record to become the longest-serving head of government in post-war Italian history, according to official reports from Rome. According to Italian journalist and translator Andreas Pieralli, her political trajectory has shifted noticeably over time from early positions against Europe or NATO toward a more pragmatic, center-right profile that has successfully appeased international markets and Western allies.

Coalition Dynamics and Economic Stability Under Meloni

Meloni leads a three-party right-wing coalition comprising her Brothers of Italy party, Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia, and Matteo Salvini’s League. Despite divergent views on key issues like the European Union and aid to Ukraine, the administration has remained intact for 1,413 days—nearly four years. According to Pieralli, a major stabilizing factor has been the strategic utilization of European recovery funds.

Italy was allocated a substantial sum of money from the Next Generation EU post-COVID recovery package. These funds, initially tapped by the preceding government led by Draghi, are now 85 percent depleted, injecting a vast amount of capital into the national economy. Pieralli notes that this capital influx helped drive down Italy’s unemployment rate to 5.8 percent—a two percentage point drop from the start of her term. Meanwhile, coalition partner Matteo Salvini’s League commands roughly five percent support, leaving minor parties with limited leverage to fracture the government.

Did you know? Giorgia Meloni made history by becoming Italy’s first female prime minister when she assumed office nearly four years ago amid widespread protests from critics warning of fascist tendencies of her party.

Foreign Policy Shift and International Alignment

When Meloni took office, opponents warned of far-right policies rooted in the early history of the Brothers of Italy. However, according to Pieralli, her administration pivoted sharply on the international stage to secure credibility. Learning from the missteps of Giuseppe Conte’s prior government—which signed a memorandum about the Silk Road with China and welcomed Russian personnel—Meloni aligned firmly with Euro-Atlantic institutions.

Journalist: Meloni Plays by Euro-Atlantic Rules

According to Pieralli, Meloni recognized that maintaining power required playing by the rules of the Western establishment. Her support for Ukraine, efforts to bridge ties between Trump and Europe, and commitment to keeping budget deficits stable have reassured Brussels. In exchange for this diplomatic moderation, her administration pursues a distinctly conservative agenda domestically regarding cultural and digital policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Giorgia Meloni been prime minister?

Giorgia Meloni surpassed Silvio Berlusconi’s record in September 2026, marking 1,413 days in office and officially becoming the longest-serving prime minister in post-war Italian history.

Which parties make up the Italian ruling coalition?

The governing coalition consists of three primary parties: the Brothers of Italy led by Meloni, Forza Italia of Berlusconi, and the League led by Matteo Salvini.

What impact did EU funds have on Italy’s economy?

According to Andreas Pieralli, Italy utilized funds from the Next Generation EU recovery package to inject capital into the economy, helping reduce the national unemployment rate to 5.8 percent.


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