Meloni's longevity record masks a South still waiting for its share

Giorgia Meloni's hard-right government has become Italy's longest-lasting since World War II, surpassing the record set by Silvio Berlusconi between 2001 and 2005, France 24 reported. The government has now been in power for 1,413 days, a notable achievement in a country that has had 68 governments in the last 80 years. When she took office in 2022, many European allies viewed her with unease given her party's neo-fascist roots, yet she has governed pragmatically, working within EU institutions.

The record was confirmed on Friday, and foreign coverage has been quick to note that it belies considerable challenges ahead of elections next year. France 24's analysis, featuring Istituto Affari Internazionali Director Nathalie Tocci, described the prime minister's success as '50% savvy political tactics, 50% extraordinarily good luck.' The Guardian reported that the rise of far-right leader Roberto Vannacci and his Futuro Nazionale party poses questions about whether Meloni will return to her roots before the vote.