{
  "id": 5024051,
  "title": "Meloni government becomes Italy's longest-lasting",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/meloni-government-becomes-italys-longest-lasting",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T05:31:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2026/09/1524131/meloni-government-becomes-italys-longest-lasting"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Giorgia Meloni's conservative government in Italy has surpassed the record for longest-lasting administration in the country's postwar history, marking a notable achievement despite the challenges ahead of upcoming elections. The record now belongs to Meloni, who has led the same administration for 1,413 days, surpassing the previous record held by late Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. This milestone is seen as a point of pride, boosting the prime minister's image as Italy prepares for a national vote in 2027.\n\nHowever, recent events have complicated the path to re-election, with a justice reform referendum defeat highlighting voter dissatisfaction. Critics argue that the government's flagship coalition pledges, including strengthening the prime minister's powers and increasing regional autonomy, have fallen short of expectations. Italy's economy is forecast to grow by a modest 0.6 percent in 2026, while real wages have remained stagnant since the early 1990s, and unemployment has fallen from over seven percent to around five percent in the past four years. Unemployment remains high, and the number of economically inactive people is substantial.\n\nThe government's primary focus has been on survival, doing as little as possible, according to economist Tito Boeri. Supporters argue that the administration has cut taxes, increased tax revenues, and strengthened Italy's position in global affairs, particularly in foreign policy. Italy has gained prominence in Europe through strict migration rules and energy policy decisions, making Rome a driving force in Brussels.\n\nSupport for Meloni's coalition, which includes the far-right League and conservative Forza Italia, is buoyed by infighting within the left-leaning opposition and increasing abstentionism, leading to a record low voter turnout of 64 percent in 2022, and below 50 percent in European elections in 2024. Many Italians are disappointed and angry, feeling that no one can solve their problems due to chronic issues. Meloni was booed at a sporting event in Taranto, a southern city with economic and environmental challenges, illustrating voters' concerns about the cost of living, public health, security, and immigration.\n\nIn a working-class suburb of Rome, residents express frustration with the lack of long-term vision, with some tempted by the rise of Roberto Vannacci's Futuro Nazionale party, which polls at around seven percent and could become a kingmaker. However, others remain optimistic, believing that conditions are improving despite visible issues like crime and migration.",
  "summary": "GIORGIA Meloni’s hard-right government on Friday becomes the longest-lasting in Italy’s postwar history – a notable record that belies considerable challenges ahead of elections next year.",
  "key_points": [
    "Giorgia Meloni's government becomes Italy's longest-lasting, 1,413 days.",
    "Recent justice reform referendum defeat complicates re-election path.",
    "Italy's economy forecast to grow 0.6% in 2026, real wages stagnant."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}