ROME: Giorgia Meloni made history a year ago when she assumed the role of Italy’s first far-right premier since World War II. Her ascension to power sparked concerns across Europe regarding Italy’s democratic trajectory and adherence to European Union regulations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a stern warning, emphasizing that the EU possessed the necessary tools to address any member deviating from democratic norms, including Italy. There were apprehensions in Brussels that Italy might align itself with a strident nationalist bloc, notably Hungary and Poland, and challenge EU democratic standards.
However, Meloni, whose Brothers of Italy party has neo-fascist origins, has defied expectations and surprised Western sceptics. Notably, she stood firmly in support of NATO’s assistance to Ukraine, particularly in terms of military aid for Kyiv against Russia’s invasion—an achievement worth acknowledging. Her coalition partners primarily comprise parties historically inclined towards pro-Russian sympathies, such as Matteo Salvini’s League and Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia.
Being Italy’s first female premier, Meloni managed to assert her independence from prominent male leaders like Salvini and Berlusconi. Despite campaigning against Europe and promising confrontations with Brussels over budgetary matters, she refrained from pursuing such confrontations once in office, as noted by Tommaso Grossi, a policy analyst at the European Policy Centre.
Meloni’s initial foreign visit as premier was to Brussels, where she met with key EU officials, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Following the meeting, Meloni suggested that these encounters likely helped debunk misconceptions about her. Subsequently, during her visit to the White House in July, she received a warm welcome from President Joe Biden. This reception reflected her dedication to terminating Italy’s involvement in the Chinese Belt and Road initiative, a development that had raised concerns in the West.
Contrary to initial fears, Italy’s democracy has not faced significant challenges under Meloni’s leadership, as emphasized by political analyst Massimo Franco. The real concern, Franco asserts, lies not in authoritarianism but in the potential for chaos stemming from an ineffective ruling class.
In her own words, Meloni identifies illegal migration as one of her major challenges. She expressed disappointment in the results concerning migration, citing an unrealistic promise of a naval blockade of the northern African coasts to deter migrant smugglers. The number of migrants arriving by boat nearly doubled to 140,000 by mid-October compared to the same period the previous year.
Ursula von der Leyen stood alongside Meloni on the Italian island of Lampedusa, expressing solidarity after a significant influx of migrants arrived. Meloni’s efforts to negotiate with Tunisia to deter departures from its shores, however, face challenges and are at risk of unravelling.
Meloni faces competition and pressure from Salvini, her ally-turned-rival, especially in the context of the upcoming European Parliament elections in June 2024. The issue of migration is expected to play a significant role in these elections, and Salvini appears determined to position himself as more “far right” than Meloni on this matter.
Despite these challenges and setbacks, including disagreements within her own coalition and resistance from Italian judges, Meloni has navigated her first year in office with a delicate balancing act. As Italy’s far-right premier, she continues to grapple with the complex and pressing issues facing her nation, all while attempting to assert her political agenda and maintain stability within the government.
