Meloni nears Berlusconi’s record, but the road ahead could be much harder

Giorgia Meloni is close to overtaking Silvio Berlusconi’s record for the longest uninterrupted Italian government, but the achievement may not guarantee an easier political future.

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There is a real risk that next time we will return to the worst possible scenario of a fragmented parliament.

Meloni took office in October 2022 and has since softened some populist positions in favor of a more pragmatic approach. On Friday, Sept. 4, she plans to mark the record at a rally, presenting the durability of her coalition as one of her government’s main achievements.

Italy has had 68 governments in 80 years, according to Reuters. That history makes the coalition’s stability stand out, especially as France has had five prime ministers since autumn 2022 and Britain four. Meloni’s cabinet is expected to pass Berlusconi’s record of 1,412 consecutive days, set in 2005. Berlusconi, however, will remain Italy’s longest-serving prime minister, having led four governments between 1994 and 2011 for a combined total of about nine years.

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When it comes to fiscal responsibility, I think the government has done a decent job. When it comes to promoting economic growth and reforming the economy, little has been done.

Coalition politicians point to fiscal indicators and employment. Edmondo Cirielli, a deputy foreign minister from Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, cited control of the deficit and debt and an increase of 1.2 million jobs. Unemployment has fallen below 6%. Analysts also credit the government with restoring investor confidence in Italy’s heavily indebted public finances and limiting expensive programs inherited from previous governments, especially the building-renovation scheme known as Superbonus.

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One of the reasons Meloni has managed to stay in power for four years is that she did not try to change much or upset voters.

The assessment is less favorable on growth and reform. Lorenzo Codogno, a former chief economist at Italy’s Treasury, said the government had done a decent job on fiscal responsibility but little to promote economic growth or reform the economy. Critics also say public administration, health care and education have changed little, while planned institutional reforms, including greater powers for the prime minister, have not been completed. Polls indicate that the 2027 parliamentary election could produce a more fragmented legislature. Political analyst Roberto D’Alimonte called that a real risk, while Lorenzo Pregliasco of YouTrend said Meloni’s longevity partly reflected her decision not to change too much or upset voters.

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The record figures for employment and unemployment are undeniable.