The Long Game: What Italy’s Unbroken Government Says About Leadership

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has broken Silvio Berlusconi’s record for the longest-serving uninterrupted government since World War II. After nearly four years in power, Meloni’s administration has surpassed Berlusconi’s 1,413 days in office. This milestone is being met with a mix of congratulations and skepticism.

Meloni’s achievement is remarkable given Italy’s history as a republic with short-lived governments. Stability is often seen as a luxury rather than a norm in Italian politics. However, this context also raises important questions about what Meloni has accomplished during her time in office.

According to Nathalie Tocci, an international relations expert and professor at Johns Hopkins University, “If you have five years in office and not much to show when you go back to voters, it can weigh against you.” This observation highlights the challenge of measuring a government’s success. Meloni has navigated European politics with ease, maintaining support for Ukraine during Russia’s invasion while embracing fiscal discipline.

Her relationship with Donald Trump was once seen as a potential liability, but she skillfully turned it into an asset by standing up to him on issues like Italy’s sovereignty. This balancing act is not unique to Meloni; many politicians try to strike a balance between their domestic and international commitments.

Meloni’s supporters point to the creation of over 1 million jobs, unemployment below 6%, and a sharp decline in migrant arrivals as evidence of her success. However, critics argue that many of Italy’s persistent problems remain unaddressed, including weak productivity, demographic decline, and inefficiencies in healthcare and education.

One thing is certain: Meloni’s transformation from nationalist outsider to establishment figure has reassured investors and European leaders. Her government’s stability has provided a sense of security for those who had grown accustomed to the chaos that often accompanies Italian politics. As Stefano Manzocchi, an international economics expert at Rome’s LUISS University, noted, “Italy has somewhat lost its role as Europe’s black sheep.”

However, this shift also raises concerns about the long-term implications of Meloni’s policies. Her ability to maintain relations with Washington while defending Italy and Europe may be seen as a strength by some, but others worry that it comes at the cost of compromising on core values.

As David Del Sarto, a 52-year-old taxi driver in Rome, put it, “I like Meloni, I like her character because she is authoritative and doesn’t let anyone walk on her.” But can this toughness be translated into meaningful change for Italy’s people?

Critics argue that Meloni’s pragmatic approach has come at the cost of structural reforms. Former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, leader of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, pointed to the higher cost of living as evidence that Meloni’s government has not done enough to stimulate economic growth.

Meloni’s supporters argue that she has reaped what she sowed by governing pragmatically. However, this approach may ultimately prove unsustainable in the face of persistent problems and unmet expectations. As the Italian people weigh their options ahead of the next election, they would do well to remember that durability alone does not guarantee success. The true test of Meloni’s leadership will come when voters decide whether four years of stability and incremental progress are enough to justify another term.