Italy’s Meloni faces youth problem as election approaches

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's coalition, consisting of her Brothers of Italy Party, the League, and Forza Italia, now holds less than 30% of the voting support among young voters, according to opinion polls. This concerning trend could have significant consequences as Italy prepares for national elections next year. Since assuming office in 2022, Meloni's government has failed to implement major economic reforms to create opportunities for young people while simultaneously passing numerous law-and-order measures that disproportionately impact this demographic.

Consequently, 18- to 34-year-olds are increasingly disenchanted with the government, a divide that could be pivotal in the upcoming election, which is shaping up as a tightly contested race between Meloni's right-leaning coalition and the center-left opposition. Young voters are skewing towards the center-left, with Lorenzo Pregliasco, head of the Youtrend polling agency, noting that the opposition bloc currently enjoys over 50% support in this age group, compared to less than 30% for Meloni's coalition.

Observers attribute the disconnect to Meloni's lack of action on the economic front and her aggressive security policies, which have disproportionately affected young people. For instance, the government's crackdown on various forms of dissent, from rave parties to juvenile crime, has fueled resentment among young Italians. This dissatisfaction was evident during a nationwide student protest in November, which saw thousands march against the government's security decrees, education cuts, and Meloni's stance on Israel.

Moreover, a recent bill proposed by the government to increase the criminal responsibility of minors has further inflamed tensions. Despite these challenges, young voters may prove decisive in the upcoming election, as evidenced by their higher turnout during a recent justice system reform referendum, which saw 67% of under-35s voting and 60% rejecting the proposed changes.