Meloni's Government Becomes Italy's Longest-Serving Since WWII

Supporters of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are celebrating as her government has set a record for being the longest-lasting administration in Italy since World War II. This milestone was reached on Friday, marking over 1,412 consecutive days in power, surpassing the previous record held by Silvio Berlusconi. Italy has a history of political instability, having seen 68 governments in the last 80 years. Meloni leads the far-right Brothers of Italy party, which gained significant support during the national elections in October 2022, particularly in the mountain resort of Abetone Cutigliano. Local councillor Andrea Tonarelli expressed pride in the achievement, attributing it to the community's support and the party's appeal to younger voters. He emphasized the party's commitment to prioritizing Italian interests, including border protection and local heritage. Grazia Di Maggio, the youngest member of the Chamber of Deputies for Brothers of Italy, described the government's longevity as symbolic, highlighting Meloni's position as the first female prime minister from a right-wing background. However, analysts caution that longevity does not equate to political stability. Paolo Carusi from Roma Tre University noted that the current political landscape is marked by voter volatility and suggested that Meloni's government has maintained power by compromising on its electoral agenda. Political scientist Piero Ignazi remarked that the government's stability may lead to stagnation rather than progress, pointing to Italy's fragile economy and concerning social policies. The government has introduced new laws that criminalize actions previously subject only to fines, raising concerns about public dissent and the right to protest. Ignazi warned that this trend could continue if another right-wing government is elected.