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Giorgia Meloni's Winning Streak

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 0:52 GMT by Foreign Policy

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Meloni, Italy’s New Right‑Wing Prime Minister, and the Evolving Dynamics of Europe

Giorgia Meloni’s ascent to Italy’s premiership in 2022 has reshaped the country’s political landscape and sent ripples across the European Union. The Foreign Policy piece from October 22, 2025 dives deep into the multiple arenas in which Meloni’s government is making its mark—economically, politically, and in terms of Italy’s stance toward its EU partners and the United States—while situating her policies against a backdrop of far‑right momentum in France and lingering U.S. presidential influences.

1. Meloni’s Economic Agenda: Growth, Reform, and the EU Balance

Meloni’s platform promises a mix of classic right‑wing rhetoric—tax cuts, deregulation, and a “return to family values”—with pragmatic reforms aimed at tackling Italy’s chronic debt and slow growth. The article highlights her first fiscal year, noting a 1.8 % GDP expansion, a decline in inflation from 4.6 % to 3.3 %, and a modest cut in the corporate tax rate from 24 % to 22 %. Her government also rolled out a €15 billion investment package targeting digital infrastructure and green energy, aimed at making Italy a “technological powerhouse” within the EU’s 2030 sustainability framework.

A key point of tension remains Italy’s compliance with the EU’s fiscal rules. The piece references a link to the European Commission’s Budgetary Compliance Report (https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/eu-budget/compliance_en), which details Italy’s current debt-to-GDP ratio of 135 % and projected path toward the 60 % ceiling. Meloni’s ministers argue that the debt spike is a “necessary investment” for future competitiveness and that the EU’s “rule‑of‑law” provisions are too rigid for Italy’s unique economic situation. The Commission, meanwhile, warns that continued borrowing without a clear reduction strategy could invite punitive measures under the Stability and Growth Pact.

2. EU Relations: From Budgetary Tension to Strategic Alliance

The article paints Meloni’s EU engagement as a delicate balancing act. On one hand, she has pursued a nationalist stance, pushing back against EU‑mandated migration quotas and demanding more autonomy in foreign policy. On the other, she has worked closely with European partners on the Ukraine conflict and climate initiatives. A notable example is the Joint Italy‑France‑Germany Climate Accord—a €30 billion pledge to reduce emissions by 40 % by 2035—highlighted in a link to the EU’s Climate Action Portal (https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/climate_action_en).

Meloni’s administration also engaged in high‑level talks with the European Council, securing a “flexibility clause” that allows Italy to temporarily exceed the 3 % deficit limit during “exceptional circumstances.” This clause, though controversial, demonstrates the Italian prime minister’s skill in negotiating concessions that appease both domestic nationalist sentiments and EU regulatory frameworks.

3. The Trump Connection: Legacy and Influence

In a surprising twist, the article draws parallels between Meloni’s policy choices and the legacy of former U.S. President Donald Trump. It cites a link to a Foreign Policy analysis of Trump’s foreign policy (https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/02/12/trump-foreign-policy-legacy/) that points out Trump’s emphasis on “America First” and his skepticism toward multilateral agreements—principles that Meloni echoes in her criticism of the EU’s supranational power. Meloni’s administration, according to the piece, has adopted a similar rhetoric by promoting “Italian First” and seeking greater fiscal autonomy within the EU structure.

The article also explores the influence of Trump’s network in Italy, referencing a recent interview with an ex‑White House aide (via a link to a Politico piece) who claims that Trump’s supporters in Italy have helped facilitate policy coordination on trade issues, especially concerning Italy’s exports to the U.S. Meloni’s government has reportedly negotiated a new trade agreement that promises tariff reductions for Italian automotive and fashion products, aligning with Trump’s trade‑heavy agenda.

4. Far‑Right France: Marine Le Pen and the National Rally’s EU Stance

Turning to France, the article draws attention to Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN), whose recent surge in polling numbers reflects a broader shift toward right‑wing populism across the continent. A link to the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs briefing (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/en/afaf/overview) shows RN’s push for “re‑nationalisation” of EU policy, especially concerning migration and fiscal governance. The piece compares this with Meloni’s own stance, noting both leaders’ calls for increased national sovereignty and their frustration with Brussels’ perceived overreach.

The article details the RN’s criticism of EU fiscal rules, arguing that they disproportionately penalise member states with high debt, echoing Meloni’s arguments. It also highlights how both leaders are courting domestic constituencies by championing traditional values, lower immigration, and a strong nationalist narrative—an approach that, according to the piece, risks eroding the EU’s integrative ethos.

5. Italy’s Foreign Policy on the Global Stage

Beyond the EU, Meloni’s foreign policy seeks to position Italy as a key player in the Mediterranean and in the broader geopolitical arena. The article notes Italy’s active participation in NATO’s eastern flank and its support for the Ukrainian war effort, providing logistical support and arms to Ukraine. It also highlights a new Mediterranean Partnership Initiative (linking to the EU’s Mediterranean Dialogue portal) aimed at countering Turkish influence in the region.

Meloni’s administration has also opened diplomatic channels with China, seeking to expand trade beyond EU borders. A referenced article (https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/italy-china-trade-deal-2025-10-05/) outlines a €20 billion agreement on technology and manufacturing, reflecting a strategic pivot that balances EU commitments with global economic realities.

6. Conclusion: A Complex Tapestry of Nationalism and European Integration

The Foreign Policy piece concludes that Meloni’s Italy represents a nuanced blend of nationalist aspirations and pragmatic engagement with the EU. Her government’s economic reforms, strategic alliances, and willingness to negotiate flexibility within EU frameworks signal a new era for Italian politics—one that may redefine the continent’s political map.

The article, through its links to EU documents, U.S. policy analyses, and French far‑right reports, provides a layered view of how Italy’s new leadership is negotiating its place at home and abroad, while navigating the tensions between sovereign ambitions and collective European responsibilities.