Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently drew attention on the international stage during the celebration of the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Joined by former President Donald Trump, Meloni was highlighted as 'great' and 'a real live wire' with 'a lot of energy', setting the tone for her increasing influence among far-right leaders. Their connection is not new; Meloni has met Trump several times and often speaks at the conservative CPAC conferences, sharing political ideologies with him.
The Italian leader's rising star was also noted by business mogul Elon Musk, who praised her tough stance on migration policy. Musk's public support came after he condemned Italian judges for overruling Meloni’s deportation plans for immigrants to Albania, stating, 'These judges need to go,' reflecting anti-judicial sentiments echoed by Trump.
According to Politico, Meloni is now considered the 'most powerful politician' within the European Union. Her unique position as the head of the third-largest economy in the euro zone has allowed her to cultivate her brand as the 'acceptable' face of the far-right, actively reshaping longstanding taboos about far-right collaboration.
Unlike her controversial ally Viktor Orban of Hungary, Meloni has engaged constructively with EU leaders, even persuading Orban to lift his veto on a €50 billion aid package to Ukraine. Her approach appears to be yielding results, as she has managed to temper the extreme anti-EU rhetoric typically associated with her coalition partners.
The willingness of EU leaders to overlook the erosion of civil liberties within Italy is alarming to some observers. International organizations, including the Council of Europe, have raised red flags about media freedom under Meloni's government, where judges reportedly face threats and intimidation, creating fear among the judiciary. The Italian government’s strategic use of defamation lawsuits to suppress dissenting journalism contributes to this growing atmosphere of intimidation.
Beyond press freedom, Meloni's administration is proposing shifts of power from parliament to her office through proposed reforms like the 'premierato'. This controversial initiative is aimed at consolidative power significantly. Political analyst Carlo Galli suggests this move could mark Italy's transition toward what he terms 'post-democracy', where the right aims to centralize authority without the pretense of parliamentary involvement.
Yasmin Qureshi, another prominent voice, reflected concerns about this authoritarian shift by stating, 'What the right is doing with the premierato is putting it in black and white in the constitution.' Critics argue Meloni's government undermines democratic institutions and processes, laying groundwork for future autocratic governance.
Meloni's administration has also targeted LGBTQ+ communities, referring to them as lobbyists aiming to impose 'gender ideology' on Italy. Legislative measures have restricted future access to services for same-sex couples, such as preventing mayors from issuing birth certificates to children born via surrogate or conceived through artificial insemination.
These measures have raised eyebrows within Italy and beyond, spurring debates on civil rights and societal inclusivity. Insiders believe this hardline stance is emblematic of Meloni's broader political strategy – to mainstream ultranationalism and populism, creating alliances with other far-right parties proliferated across Europe.
Meloni has not only been making headlines for her contentious policies but also for her international alliances, which could reshape political dynamics significantly on the continent. Her collaboration with European Conservatives and Reformists, which includes noteworthy groups like Poland's Law and Justice Party, allows them to be significant players within the new European Parliament framework.
Although political scientists assert it's incorrect to label Meloni’s government as fascist outright, they argue it possesses authoritarian tendencies reminiscent of historical precedents. The rise of Fratelli d’Italia, tied to Italy's post-fascist legacy, has made waves across Europe as ultranationalist sentiment appears to resurge, emboldening similar movements elsewhere.
Galli warns against the danger of ignoring Meloni's gradual consolidation of power and how her government's conduct could usher Italy toward elected authoritarianism. Similar to other right-wing movements across the globe, like those associated with Trumpism, Meloni’s tenure embodies more than just political participation; it signifies fundamental shifts away from pluralistic values, and democratic checks and balances.
Italy's position under Meloni's leadership remains complex. While she seeks validation and partnerships within international conservative circles, at home, growing tensions between her government and key democratic principles herald troubling ramifications not only for Italy but for its role within the EU.
