When Giorgia Meloni became Prime Minister of Italy in 2022, international media quickly labelled her government as far right, reviving fears of post-fascist revival.
However, within Italy, reactions were more varied, with some Italians welcoming her policies and others deeply concerned about the ideological direction of the state.
Meloni’s political roots and the Brothers of Italy
Meloni leads Fratelli d’Italia, or Brothers of Italy, a party that grew from the ashes of Italy’s post-fascist movements, including the Italian Social Movement.
This historical link has made many Italians uneasy, especially those in provinces where World War II memory and resistance movements remain culturally significant.
Campaign rhetoric versus governing tone
During her campaign, Meloni used strong nationalist language and promoted traditional values, criticising immigration, the European Union and liberal reforms.
Once in office, however, her tone moderated somewhat, with many Italians noticing a shift from fiery opposition to cautious leadership within institutional frameworks.
Italians’ views on ideology and pragmatism
Italians across the provinces are divided, with some believing Meloni’s policies are ideologically far right, while others see her as a pragmatic conservative leader.
In provinces like Veneto or Lazio, some voters feel she represents long-awaited change, while others see her as continuing old patterns under a new nationalist banner.
Immigration policy and border control
Meloni’s hard stance on immigration is a central feature of her government, advocating strict border controls and agreements with North African nations.
Italians in coastal provinces such as Apulia and Sicily, who face the direct impact of migration, are divided between support for security and empathy for humanitarian needs.
Economic direction and social spending
Despite right-wing expectations, Meloni’s economic policies have not drastically reduced social spending, and she has worked to maintain a balanced relationship with Brussels.
This has surprised some Italians, especially those who feared severe austerity measures, although critics say her focus on national industry and tax relief favours the wealthy.
Women’s rights and family policy
Meloni promotes traditional family values and opposes progressive reforms on gender, adoption and LGBTQ+ rights, framing these positions as protecting Italian identity.
Many Italian women and younger citizens, especially in liberal provinces, see these views as a rollback of hard-won rights and a signal of regressive conservatism.
Law and order narratives
Her government places strong emphasis on security and law enforcement, positioning itself as tough on crime and protective of “ordinary Italians.”
While this resonates with voters concerned about safety, others fear it could lead to over-policing, racial profiling and shrinking space for civil liberties.
European relations and nationalism
Though once sharply critical of the European Union, Meloni’s leadership has adapted to geopolitical pressures, maintaining Italy’s alignment with NATO and EU institutions.
Still, Italians hear nationalistic overtones in her speeches, with many wary that her loyalty to national sovereignty could isolate Italy from long-term European cooperation.
Media influence and cultural messaging
Meloni’s government actively promotes Italian heritage, Christian values and traditional narratives in state-supported media and educational content.
For some Italians, this is a welcome return to national pride, while for others it reflects an attempt to control public discourse and rewrite cultural norms.
Provincial differences in support and opposition
Support for Meloni is stronger in central and southern provinces like Abruzzo or Calabria, where economic frustration and disillusionment with the centre-left run deep.
In northern and urban provinces with stronger economies and liberal traditions, opposition is more vocal, particularly on social and human rights issues.
International perception versus domestic sentiment
Outside Italy, Meloni is often labelled far right due to her rhetoric and party history, but many Italians judge her based more on current governance than ideology.
Italians tend to prioritise economic results and national stability, with many voters less concerned about labels and more focused on daily life improvements.
Comparison with past right-wing leadership
Compared to previous right-leaning governments, such as Berlusconi’s, Meloni’s leadership appears more ideologically driven but also more disciplined in its messaging.
Italians recognise this difference, with some praising her for avoiding scandal and others cautioning that discipline may mask radical policy under a mainstream image.
Conclusion: is the Meloni government far right?
From an Italian perspective, the answer is complex and depends on where one stands politically and geographically, with views shaped by both ideology and experience.
While some Italians see Meloni as a far right figure reshaping the republic, others view her as a conservative leader navigating Italy’s challenges within institutional norms.
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