Italy's first female PM crosses 1,413 days

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has marked a political milestone as her government becomes the longest-serving single administration of Italy's Republican era by completing over 1413 days. Speaking at a rally in Bari on Friday, Meloni defended her government's record and effectively launched her re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 vote. Her government has surpassed the previous record set by billionaire Silvio Berlusconi. Meloni, who became Italy's first woman Prime Minister in October 2022, said political stability had helped her government deliver results and strengthen Italy's position abroad. The most stable government is not necessarily the most capable government. The most stable government is simply the government that has had more time than the others to be judged, and that judgment after 1413 days is you with this presence, with this enthusiasm. Her supporters pointed to more than one million additional jobs, lower unemployment, improved public finances and a decline in migrant arrivals as key achievements. Meloni also highlighted a series of reforms covering taxation, public procurement, education, justice and local public services. She said her government has also made Italy a leading European country in spending funds under the post-pandemic recovery plan. Let's take a quick look. Tax reform, the public procurement code, ITS, cohesion policies, the court of auditors, the third sector, the highway code, local public services, the high school exam, entry to medical school, tax credits for the film industry, the professions, corporate liability and then the reform of the justice system, which we did carry out, even though the Italian people decided not to confirm it. And we are not finished yet, because this year we intend to press ahead with the reforms we promised. But the government still faces economic and political challenges. Critics say fiscal stability has not brought stronger growth, while low wages and weak productivity remains concerns. Migration remains key, with the government saying arrivals have fallen 80 percent. Her coalition also faces scrutiny over its security-focused agenda, with around 300 laws and decrees passed since taking office. Well, a further challenge comes from the right, with former General Roberto Vanacci's new party gaining ground and overtaking coalition partners in some polls, potentially making him a key factor in the 2027 election. For Meloni, the body rally was both a milestone for her government and an early opportunity to make the case for continuity ahead of the next election.