World · Daily Terminal
By Silvia Stellacci and Giada Zampano, Sept. 4, 2026 — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni celebrated her government’s milestone longevity at a rally in Bari, emphasizing four years of political stability as a strength both domestically and internationally. Her administration now holds the record for the longest-serving single government in Italy’s republican era, surpassing Silvio Berlusconi’s 1,412-day record. Meloni framed this achievement as evidence of her right-wing coalition’s strength and cohesion, stating, "Stability is our first great reform." She credited continuity with enabling economic and foreign policy advancements, citing job growth, family and business support, and improved public finances.
During the rally, she reflected on governance challenges, saying, "There were days when it felt like I was swimming through glue, but I never gave up." The event underscored her upcoming election campaign, arguing that stability has yielded results and credibility abroad. Vera Capperucci, a professor at Rome’s Luiss University, described the rally as a "necessary act," highlighting the government’s foreign policy achievements, including maintaining Italy’s Atlantic alliances despite initial skepticism from European partners. Meloni’s transition from an outsider to an establishment figure since becoming Italy’s first female prime minister in 2022 was also noted.
Supporters praised her coalition’s unity, while critics questioned whether her government has addressed long-term economic issues like weak productivity and public service inefficiencies. The rally’s focus on the longevity record shifted political discourse from survival to whether voters believe the government has delivered enough for another term.
Source: Los Angeles Times
