Meloni celebrates her Italian government’s longevity during party rally in Bari
Italy's Premier Giorgia Meloni celebrated a significant milestone on Friday during a rally in Bari, asserting that four years of political stability have bolstered the nation both domestically and internationally.
Her administration has become the longest-serving single government in Italy's republican era, with 1,414 consecutive days in office, surpassing the previous record of 1,412 days set by Silvio Berlusconi's second government (2001-2005). Meloni emphasized the strength and cohesion of her right-wing coalition, stating, "Stability is our first great reform."
The prime minister credited her coalition with boosting employment, supporting families and businesses, managing public finances, and restoring Italy's credibility abroad. Reflecting on the challenges of governance, Meloni admitted, "There were days when it felt like I was swimming through glue, but I never gave up and I do not intend to start now," eliciting cheers from the supporters.
The rally underscored Meloni's central argument ahead of the 2027 election: that stability has enabled her government to achieve tangible results and credibility on the international stage. Historian Vera Capperucci from Rome’s LUISS University noted that Meloni has built credibility with European partners and maintained Italy’s Atlantic alliances, defying concerns about a more confrontational approach.
While supporters highlight over 1 million new jobs, lower unemployment, tighter public finances, and a decline in migrant arrivals as evidence of the government's achievements, critics argue that Italy’s longstanding issues, such as weak productivity growth, low salaries, and inefficiencies in public services, remain largely unaddressed.
Opposition leaders contend that the government has yet to implement concrete measures to stimulate long-term economic growth beyond managing public debt and deficits, and have accused the coalition of further cutting resources for health services and education.
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