Meloni Set to Break Italy’s Post-War Government Longevity Record

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to make history this week as her government becomes the longest-serving administration in Italy since the end of World War II, surpassing a record previously held by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Meloni’s coalition, which came to power in October 2022, is expected to exceed Berlusconi’s record of 1,412 consecutive days in office. She plans to hold a rally on September 4 to mark the milestone and highlight the stability of her government.

Italy has long been known for political instability, having gone through 68 governments in 80 years. Meloni’s four years in office have therefore represented an unusually stable period compared with several other major European countries.

Supporters say the government’s stability has helped strengthen confidence in Italy’s public finances. Analysts have particularly praised its efforts to maintain budget discipline and reduce expensive programmes inherited from previous administrations.

The government also points to strong employment figures, saying about 1.2 million additional workers have entered the labour market since Meloni took office, pushing unemployment below 6%.

However, critics argue that the government has made limited progress on broader economic and institutional reforms. Efforts to overhaul public administration, healthcare and education have largely stalled, while several proposed institutional changes have faced setbacks.

Meloni has also made immigration and law enforcement central parts of her political agenda. Irregular migrant arrivals fell to 66,316 last year, compared with 157,651 in 2023, according to figures cited by Reuters.

Despite her political successes, Meloni faces growing challenges ahead of Italy’s 2027 parliamentary elections. Opinion polls indicate that the conservative coalition could struggle to reach the 42% threshold under a proposed electoral system designed to provide a majority bonus.

The emergence of a new far-right party led by former general Roberto Vannacci has further complicated the political outlook. Vannacci’s support has reportedly risen to around 8%, potentially weakening Meloni’s coalition and making the next election more unpredictable.

Meloni’s political standing has also suffered setbacks abroad and at home. Her previously close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump has deteriorated, while Italian voters rejected her flagship judicial reform in a referendum earlier this year.

Although Meloni’s party remains Italy’s most popular political force, support for some coalition partners, including the League, has declined.

With the next election approaching, analysts warn that Italy could return to the fragmented politics and revolving-door governments that have historically characterised the country.

The government’s current stability may therefore prove difficult to maintain beyond the 2027 election.