In a remarkable feat, Giorgia Meloni's hard-right government has become the longest-lasting administration in Italy's postwar history, surpassing the record set by Silvio Berlusconi. To celebrate this milestone, a grand rally is being held in Bari, expected to draw thousands of supporters. Despite internal crises within her coalition, Meloni's government has managed to maintain stability for 1,413 days.
The rally, organized by Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, will take place in an area of Bari's port capable of hosting up to 10,000 people. Approximately 80 coaches will transport supporters to the event, which is set to feature traditional Puglian light shows, DJ sets, and speeches highlighting the government's achievements. Meloni is expected to address the crowds in the early evening, with her deputy prime ministers Matteo Salvini and Antonio Tajani appearing via video link.
Under the slogan "Il Governo piu stabile, l'Italia piu forte" ("The Most Stable Government, the Strongest Italy"), the festivities will underscore the government's accomplishments, including an increase of over one million in employment and a 21-billion-euro reduction in personal income taxes. Despite these achievements, critics argue that the stability has not translated into economic growth, with issues such as stagnant wages, rising petrol costs, and increased job insecurity persisting.
Meloni's coalition, which includes the far-right, anti-immigrant League and right-wing Forza Italia, has passed around 300 laws and decrees, primarily focused on security threats. The Brothers of Italy party, with its neo-Fascist roots, won the 2022 election on a promise to tackle illegal migration, boasting an 80 percent reduction in migrant arrivals. However, the rally is not without its detractors, as protesters plan to demonstrate nearby, accusing the government of creating a "war and weapons economy" and a "police state".
As Meloni's government approaches the 2027 vote, the rally serves as both a celebration and an election campaign event. Editorialist Flavia Perina notes that Meloni will need to outline her plans for the remaining months before the election, making her speech particularly crucial. Meanwhile, the rise of a far-right challenger, a former general with a party even further to the right than Meloni's, adds an element of uncertainty to the political landscape.
