Giorgia Meloni’s political career began at a young age when she joined the youth department of the Italian social movement MSI, which was founded by Benito Mussolini after World War II. This move set her on a neo-fascist path that eventually led to the founding of her own party, Fratelli d’Italia, and her election as prime minister of Italy. Despite being described as right-wing and value-conservative, Meloni has been praised for her support of Ukraine against Russia.
However, there are concerns about Meloni’s domestic policies, including constitutional amendments that could concentrate power in the prime minister’s office, restrictions on the rights of sexual minorities, and attacks on freedom of the press. Italian legal scholars and former politicians have warned that Meloni’s government is undermining democracy and the rule of law in Italy.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has acknowledged that Meloni’s neo-fascist background is not acceptable but has also praised her actions in supporting Ukraine against Russia. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the coalition’s European Parliament group are considering cooperation with Meloni despite concerns about her political background and policies.
