Three years may not sound like a long time, but politically speaking in Italy it can see the fall and rise of successive governments. But soon Giorgia Meloni will become the third longest-serving prime minister in Italy's history.

Rome

Giorgia Meloni, Italy's first female prime minister, has reached a three-year milestone in office, a notable achievement in a country known for frequent government changes. During her tenure, Meloni has gained international prominence, forming strong relationships with European and American leaders, and has been recognized for her political influence.

Under Meloni's leadership, Italy's public deficit and unemployment rates have dropped, making her a model for conservatives. However, challenges such as declining wages, rising poverty, demographic issues, and stagnant growth persist. Meloni's government has shifted toward pragmatic policies, including plans to increase legal migration to address labor shortages, while maintaining a tough stance on illegal immigration.

A look back at Meloni’s three years in power

She's made the cover of Time magazine. Politico named her the most powerful person in Europe. She's built close ties with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and with US President Donald Trump, who calls her a friend. She has taken Europe by storm and highly respected. Everybody loves her and respects her, and I can't say that about many people. Giorgia Meloni, the first woman to become Italy's Prime Minister, is now on track to break a longevity record, in a country where governments often last barely a year. I am Giorgia, I am a woman, I am a mother, I am Italian, I am Christian. Since taking office, Italy has seen its public deficit fall, from 8.6% in 2022 to just 3.4% Unemployment has dropped to its lowest in 20 years, and Meloni has become a model for conservatives. But behind the headlines, dark numbers remain. Declining wages, rising poverty, a demographic crisis, stagnant growth. Often hidden beneath a polished policy machine that has won over many conservatives, and even made some almost forget the neo-fascist roots of Meloni's party, Fratelli d'Italia. Since 2022, Meloni has softened her positions. She boasts a 60% drop in illegal immigration, but legal migration is rising. Her government plans to issue half a million non-European work visas by 2028, to fill jobs in high-demand sectors. Three years in power have shown Giorgia Meloni to be less an ideologue, and more a pragmatist. And above all, a skilled politician.

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