The right-wing government of Giorgia Meloni officially became the longest-serving administration since the establishment of the Italian Republic 80 years ago on Friday, September 4. Reaching 1,413 consecutive days in office, Meloni’s government surpassed the previous record of 1,412 days held by billionaire media tycoon Silvio Berlusconi’s second administration, which served between 2001 and 2005.
The milestone is particularly significant given Italy’s history of political instability; the nation has seen 68 governments since 1946, with administrations lasting approximately 13 months on average. While Meloni now holds the record for the longest uninterrupted tenure of a single cabinet, Berlusconi maintains the title for collectively serving the longest as prime minister with more than nine years in office across four terms.
Celebrations and Political Strategy
To mark the achievement, the Brothers of Italy (FdI) party organized a major rally in the southern port city of Bari. Under the slogan The Most Stable Government, the Strongest Italy,
the event is expected to draw up to 10,000 supporters, with some 80 coaches transporting attendees to the gathering. Meloni is scheduled to address the crowd in the evening, while Deputy Prime Ministers Antonio Tajani and Matteo Salvini are expected to appear via video link.
Government Claims and International Standing
In nearly four years of power, the Meloni administration is highlighting several key metrics of success:
- The creation of over one million new jobs.
- An unemployment rate below 6%.
- A €21 billion reduction in personal income taxes.
- A reported 80 percent decline in migrant arrivals.
Meloni, the first woman to serve as Italy’s prime minister, has also claimed that Italy’s global influence has grown. This is reflected in congratulatory messages from international leaders, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who thanked Italy for being a “great ally,” and Slovenian Premier Janez Janša, who emphasized the importance of political stability. Other messages arrived from Polish President Karol Nawrocki, Albanian Premier Edi Rama, and Belgian Premier Bart De Wever.
On the world stage, Meloni has maintained commitments to NATO and the EU while pursuing hardline migration policies. This included temporary suspension of the open-border Schengen agreement with Spain following a crisis in the Ceuta enclave in late July, a move Meloni framed as a response to a systemic threat to European security.
Criticism and Emerging Challenges
The record has not been met without opposition. Critics and trade unions, including CGIL head Maurizio Landini, argue that longevity has not translated into improved living standards. They point to stagnant wages, rising fuel costs, and inefficiencies in public administration, education, and healthcare. In Bari, opponents gathered to accuse the government of fostering a “police state” and a war and weapons economy.
Some analysts, such as Paolo Carusi of Roma Tre University, suggest the stability is a result of the 2018 electoral law and Meloni’s decision to abandon parts of her electoral program to appease coalition partners. This perceived moderation has created an opening for the further-right National Future
party led by retired army general Roberto Vannacci. Launched only seven months ago, Vannacci’s party has reportedly overtaken both Forza Italia and the League in polls, positioning itself as the only true upholder of right-wing values
ahead of the 2027 vote.
