Italy's Meloni government sets post-war longevity record

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's conservative government became Italy's longest-serving uninterrupted administration since World War II, reaching 1,413 days on Thursday and surpassing a record set by Silvio Berlusconi between 2001 and 2005. Meloni, Italy's first female premier, has maintained the same coalition since taking office in October 2022, avoiding crises and defections that toppled past governments. Her tenure is marked by support for Ukraine, fiscal discipline, and a close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. Supporters cite tighter public finances, over one million new jobs, and reduced migrant arrivals, but critics argue structural reforms remain unaddressed. Meloni's moderation has also opened space for far-right challengers, while her strongest achievements are seen as international rather than domestic.