Giorgia Meloni: Political Force in Italy & Won Over Many Heads of Europe

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In June 2024, Giorgia Meloni found herself at the center of global attention as she hosted the G7 summit in Apulia, southern Italy. Her vibrant performance, dancing to the traditional pizzica, symbolized the confidence of a rising political leader. Just days after a strong showing in the European elections, Meloni was emerging as one of Europe’s most prominent figures, a remarkable transformation for a politician who was once relegated to the fringes as the head of the small right-wing party, Brothers of Italy.

 

 

Meloni's journey to respectability has been nothing short of impressive, winning over centrist parties in the EU and even receiving a warm welcome at the White House from Joe Biden. Her ability to navigate the complexities of European politics, while maintaining close ties to controversial leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, has baffled critics. Many, like author Roberto Saviano, labeled her a threat, calling her a “danger to Italy and the rest of Europe.” Yet Meloni has displayed a pragmatic streak, working with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia—positions that deviate from the traditional pro-Putin sentiments of Europe’s right.

 

Despite her success on the international stage, Meloni’s domestic challenges have exposed the undercurrents of her party’s origins. A scandal involving members of her party’s youth wing chanting fascist slogans and making racist remarks forced her to confront the lingering associations with Italy’s fascist past. She quickly condemned the behavior, calling it “completely incompatible” with Brothers of Italy’s platform. Critics like Giuseppe Provenzano of the Democratic Party accused her of hiding the true face of her party. However, others, including opposition member Roberto Giachetti, rejected the notion that Meloni herself was fascist.

 

The ambiguity in Meloni’s politics, often referred to as “doppiezza” or doubleness, is a defining feature of her leadership. On one hand, she presents herself as a moderate on economic and foreign policy, yet on social issues like immigration and family policy, she strikes a more conservative, right-wing tone. Her campaign slogan, “We defend God, Fatherland, and Family,” echoes Italy’s fascist past, but she insists it also harkens back to Giuseppe Mazzini, a hero of Italy’s unification.

 

Rather than focus on whether Meloni’s party is truly fascist, it may be more relevant to view her as a populist leader responding to modern challenges. She has tapped into widespread fears about immigration, global capitalism, and secularism, positioning herself as a defender of Italy’s traditional values. This appeal resonated with international leaders, such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who sought her advice on immigration policy despite objections from within his own Labour Party.

 

Fabrizio Barca, an economist, situates Meloni within a broader neo-authoritarian trend sweeping Europe. He argues that decades of neoliberal policies, which have hollowed out social protections and exacerbated inequality, have created fertile ground for strong, charismatic leaders. Meloni’s success, much like Donald Trump’s in the U.S., lies in her ability to defend traditional identities rather than disrupt the economic status quo.

 

Despite the controversies surrounding her, Meloni remains a skilled and disciplined politician. Her rise to power has been strategic, with Brothers of Italy growing from a minor player with just 2% of the vote to becoming Italy’s largest party with 26%. Unlike other right-wing leaders, she has carefully distanced herself from extreme factions such as Alternative for Germany, positioning herself as a mainstream conservative.

 

Meloni’s political persona is built on a duality that resonates with different audiences. To the EU and international community, she is a moderate; on the campaign trail, she is a populist firebrand. She has cultivated an image of a tough yet relatable leader, emphasizing her working-class roots and using her first name, Giorgia, to connect with voters. As she wrote in her autobiography, “I am proud of being a woman of the people.”

 

Meloni’s life story reflects her political complexity. Raised by a single mother in a working-class neighborhood, she was shaped by her early involvement with the far-right Movimento Sociale Italiano (MSI). Although she has distanced herself from the party’s fascist roots, she still carries with her the experiences of being part of a counterculture that felt embattled by Italy’s dominant left-wing politics.

 

Ultimately, the question of whether Meloni is a closet fascist or a conservative democrat may not matter. What is clear is that she is a politician adept at navigating the shifting tides of modern politics, both in Italy and on the global stage. As she continues to shape her image, the world will watch closely to see which version of Giorgia Meloni emerges next.

 

Credit: The Guardian 2024-09-20