The Meloni government: consolidation and a return to politics

The Meloni government during 2024 was characterized by unexpected stability and consolidation of its political dominance. The year 2024 marked a return to ’politics in the strict sense’, following years of anti-politics and technocratic governance, but with a government embodying a sui generis coalition, characterized by limited competition both within and outside government. Factors contributing to the government’s stability included Meloni’s firm grip over her party, Fratelli d’Italia’s electoral dominance, the strategic pursuit of major reforms that were vital to each of the coalition parties, and a pragmatic approach to foreign policy and societal demands. However, by year’s end there were several challenges emerging that could yet test the coalition’s unity, including: the return of austerity measures, the uncertain fate of reforms, the underperformance of major investment programmes, and the pressure from upcoming elections.