Why in News?
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has reached a historic milestone, with her government becoming the longest-serving government in Italy since World War II. Meloni, leader of the right-wing Brothers of Italy, became Prime Minister in October 2022.
A Record for Meloni’s Government
- Italy has experienced 68 governments in eight decades, reflecting its long history of political instability.
- Meloni’s government has now surpassed the previous record for the longest continuous government, held by Silvio Berlusconi, which lasted 1,412 consecutive days.
- Berlusconi, however, remains Italy’s longest-serving prime minister when his time in office across multiple governments is considered. Meloni is also Italy’s first woman Prime Minister.
Why Has Meloni’s Government Lasted So Long?
- Electoral system: The electoral law used in the 2022 election helped Meloni’s right-wing coalition secure an absolute majority.
- Coalition management: The Brothers of Italy has moderated or set aside parts of its electoral programme to maintain unity within the governing coalition.
Stability or Political Stagnation?
- The record does not necessarily mean that Italy has achieved deeper political stability.
- Political analysts point out that government longevity alone cannot be used to measure political stability. Italy continues to face voter volatility, economic challenges and growing competition on the political right.
- A new far-right party led by former army general Roberto Vannacci has also emerged as a significant political force ahead of the 2027 general election.
Concerns Over Social Policies
- Critics have also raised concerns over changes to criminal law and restrictions affecting public protest and political dissent.
- According to analysts, the government's approach has raised questions about the balance between public order, political stability and democratic freedoms.
