Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s post-fascist Prime Minister, has been ranked as the most powerful person in Europe by Politico, surpassing 28 other contenders. Known for her insistence on using the masculine form of her title—Il Presidente del Consiglio—Meloni has made headlines for her assertive political style and controversial remarks.
In a notable incident, after being called “stronza” or “b****” at a rally in the Campania region, President Vincenzo De Luca humorously acknowledged Meloni at a subsequent event, greeting her as “President De Luca, I am that b****, Meloni. How are you doing?”
Despite her ultranationalist image, Meloni has adopted a more centrist approach over the past decade, which has helped her solidify her position as Italy’s Prime Minister. Members of her coalition are reluctant to challenge her authority, and even opposition leaders concede that they cannot defeat her. This shift has garnered recognition from European leaders who were previously skeptical of her leadership.
Meloni, who has openly endorsed Benito Mussolini, has been at the forefront of shifting European politics to the far right, implementing stringent policies on migration and LGBTQ+ rights. Her government has brought a degree of stability to Italy’s otherwise volatile political landscape, leading to her being dubbed Italy’s “alpha” figure as she manages the Eurozone’s third-largest economy.
However, her governance has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic standards, press freedom, and the protection of minority rights. Critics argue that Meloni has attempted to silence dissenting voices, including newspapers, journalists, and even Italian judges, through the use of courts and defamation suits. The Council of Europe has warned that “excessive criticism of individual judges… puts their independence at risk.”
Meloni is capitalizing on the rising political phenomenon of ultranationalism, leveraging her position as a leader of a founding EU member and a significant NATO partner. Despite former President Donald Trump’s disdain for Europe, referring to it as a “mini-China,” Meloni has garnered admiration from key Trump adviser Elon Musk, who has expressed support for her immigration policies. While it may be ambitious to expect Musk to serve as a bridge between Trump and Meloni, the political landscape in Europe has shifted significantly since Trump’s last presidency, making future developments intriguing to watch.
