The international press is forced to accept this reality. Politico declared Meloni “the most powerful figure in Europe.” The Economist placed her on its cover between Marine Le Pen and von der Leyen. Le Figaro called her “Europe’s new strongwoman,” while The Times went even further: “The Queen of Europe.”
By Panorama ITALY
Head held high, back straight, hands on hips. Last June, during the G7 summit in Borgo Egnazia, Giorgia Meloni danced confidently to the rhythm of the Salento pizzica. The long white dress fit her perfectly. There were no powerful leaders around her, but dancers and the people. That scene became the metaphor for her golden moment. Giorgia dances alone, as in Bertolucci’s poetic film. Although politics, as former minister Rino Formica said, is mostly “blood and s**t”. They call her a leader with strong tendencies to concentrate power. It doesn’t matter. She leads a party that, from the fringes of the political scene, became the center. She is the first female prime minister in Italy and, moreover, the right-wing one.
A disorganized opposition, aggressive opponents, problematic ministers, inexperienced colleagues. She dances alone, of course. Just look at some of her recent moves. In Europe, she acted according to her own will, refusing to give a vote of confidence to the new Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen. She has strengthened her friendship with Elon Musk, the richest and most influential man in the world. She has won the support of Donald Trump, who praises her endlessly. It was precisely with a sensational trip to Florida, where she met the former US president, that she managed to resolve a difficult diplomatic crisis: the release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, arrested in Iran.
“Giorgia listens to everyone, but decides herself,” sums up one of her most trusted advisers. And the method works, thanks also to the favorable context. Her era, regardless of what anyone thinks, has just begun. “My government is the seventh longest-serving of the 68 governments in Italian history,” she said at a press conference at the beginning of the year. If she sees through her mandate to the end, it will become the longest-serving in history. Even the opposition, which until yesterday dreamed of a government overthrow, is now thinking about the next elections. “Who will challenge Meloni in 2027?” the hopeless Democratic Party asks. Its leader, Elly Schlein, seems more like a secondary figure. And how will an opposition coalition be formed?
INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY AND GEOPOLITICAL MOVEMENTS
In the middle of her term, Meloni has made the most successful moves in the international arena. She is an ardent supporter of NATO and Ukraine, a line she has followed from the beginning. Meanwhile, Trump’s return to the scene is putting Europe at risk with the threat of new customs tariffs. In this panorama, Meloni is the closest European leader to the US administration – thanks also to her relationship with Musk. The businessman, passionate about ancient history, writes in X: “America is the new Rome”.
In addition to the principles, there are also concrete issues. The Chigi Palace (the seat of the Italian government) is interested in Starlink, the satellite internet network created by Musk. This system would provide protected connections, in a deal that could reach 1.5 billion euros over five years. Also, another major project aims to integrate broadband internet, with 3.8 billion euros allocated from PNRR funds. The experiment will start in Lombardy.
MELON AND EUROPE: A COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP
Although he did not vote for von der Leyen, the relations between them are fair and productive. The President of the European Commission was re-elected with a very fragile majority, after negotiations between the conservatives and the European People’s Party. Meloni, who was once considered a “danger to Italy and Europe”, is today one of the most powerful figures on the continent. In fact, European politics is in crisis: Germany is in recession and Chancellor Scholz has lost support. Macron’s France is experiencing political and economic chaos. While Italy, paradoxically, has one of the most stable governments of recent decades.
The international press is forced to accept this reality. Politico declared Meloni “the most powerful figure in Europe.” The Economist placed her on its cover between Marine Le Pen and von der Leyen. Le Figaro called her “Europe’s strong young woman,” while The Times went even further: “The Queen of Europe.” But the most surprising assessment came from The Guardian, a historically left-wing British newspaper. They described her as “pragmatic and capable,” noting that “in two years she has surprised many people.” The Spectator compared her to Margaret Thatcher, calling her a “Mediterranean” version of her.
INTERNAL PROBLEMS AND FUTURE CHALLENGES
Of course, not everything is perfect in Italy. Debt is rising, output is falling, GDP is shrinking. But there are countries that are doing even worse: Germany is in recession, France can’t control its deficit. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti has approved a cautious budget, closing the hole left by the fiscal super-budget of the previous Conte government. It’s not much, but it’s not little either.
2025, according to Meloni, will be the year of major reforms, including reform of the system of governance and regional autonomy, two issues that have caused tensions among her political allies. Matteo Salvini’s Lega is forced to carry the banner of autonomy, despite opposition within the coalition. Forza Italia, meanwhile, is seeking to realize justice reform, a long-standing dream of Berlusconi.
The opposition remains divided and disorganized. The Democratic Party is in crisis, the 5 Star Movement is on the verge of disintegration, Matteo Renzi has become a mere moralizer. More than Salvini or Tajani, the most useful enemy for Meloni remains Elly Schlein. In this climate, the Iron Lady of Italy continues to dance alone – on the national and international stage. And perhaps, amidst all the criticism, she sometimes enjoys her favorite pizzica.
