Giorgia Meloni set to become Italy’s first female PM

Italy’s largest coalition party, Brothers of Italy has claimed victory in the parliamentary election, paving the way for its leader, Giorgia Meloni to be elected the next Prime Minister.

45-year-old Giorgia Meloni is expected to form Italy’s most right-wing government since world war two, making her the first-ever female to lead Europe’s third largest economy.

What is her winning margin?

Ms. Meloni’s party won the election polling about 26% of the votes ahead of its closest rival, the Democratic Party’s 19.06%, and third place Five Star Movement Party with 15.42% votes. Leader of the center-left Enrico Letta told reporters that the far-right victory at the poll was “a sad day for Italy and Europe” but his party would provide a “strong and intransigent opposition”.

Ms. Meloni’s right-wing alliance with Matteo Salvini’s far-right League and former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s center-right Forza Italia will form a new government, taking control of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies with about 44% of the vote.   

Meloni is expected to be announced the next PM on October 13 when Parliament meets to elect its leaders. Speaking after the vote, she said her Brothers of Italy party would “govern for everyone” adding that “Italians have sent a clear message in favour of a right-wing government led by Brothers of Italy”.

One of the key policies she is most likely to bring swift changes to is Italy’s Migration Policy, which she has in the past described as too lenient and risks turning Italy into the “refugee camp of Europe”. Also, she will be faced with handling rising energy costs, relations with Russia, and Italy’s rising debt. 

How are world leaders reacting to her election?

Leaders around the world welcomed Meloni’s victory at the polls with each saying they look forward to working with her on shares goals and diplomatic relations. The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken twitted:

“Following yesterday’s Italian elections, we are eager to work with Italy’s government on our shared goals: supporting a free independent Ukraine, respecting human rights, and building a sustainable economic future. Italy is a vital ally, strong democracy, and valued partner.”