Italy’s Giorgia Meloni Charts a Path for the Far Right
Jul 31, 2023
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Giorgia Meloni, Italian far-right politician, discusses her rise to power and pragmatic approach as prime minister. Her visit to the White House has bolstered her international credentials. Jason Horowitz explains her path and the influence of Europe's far-right parties. Concerns about her far-right party and authoritarian turn persist.
Giorgia Meloni has surprised many by showing a pragmatic streak since coming to power, though some still fear an authoritarian turn.
Georgia Meloni's rise to power represents the culmination of the populist movement in the country.
Deep dives
Georgia Meloni and the Rise of the Far Right in Italy
Georgia Meloni, the leader of the far-right in Europe, recently visited the White House and met with President Biden. She has come a long way from her early days as a youth activist for the post-fascist far-right party in Italy. Georgia Meloni's rise to power represents the culmination of the populist movement in the country. Despite initial concerns about her extreme views, she has governed more moderately once in power. She has focused on issues such as supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression and taking a tough stance on immigration. While critics worry about her intentions regarding civil rights and the European Union, her popularity continues to grow in Italy and abroad.
Georgia Meloni's Path to Power
Georgia Meloni's journey to becoming the Prime Minister of Italy is a fascinating one. She started as a youth activist for the post-fascist far-right party, drawing inspiration from Benito Mussolini. Despite coming from a working-class background, she found a home within the far-right movement. Over the years, she climbed the political ranks, gaining attention for her speeches and activism. She eventually formed her own political party, the Brothers of Italy, and emerged as a prominent figure in the Italian political landscape. Her popularity soared, especially after addressing issues such as identity politics and immigration.
Georgia Meloni's Balancing Act
As Prime Minister, Georgia Meloni has faced the challenge of balancing her far-right base with more moderate policies. While she has governed in a more conventional manner, she continues to appease her core supporters by addressing issues such as same-sex adoption and emphasizing the importance of traditional Italian values. She has also played a key role in Europe's migration policy, holding conferences and striking deals with other nations. However, concerns remain about her potential impact on civil rights and the European Union. The international community, including the United States, remains cautiously optimistic about her leadership.
Last year, Giorgia Meloni, an Italian far-right politician, became prime minister on an agenda that many feared would mark a radical turn for the country. Now, her visit to the White House last week has bolstered her credentials on the international stage.
Jason Horowitz, the Rome bureau chief for The New York Times, explains how she got here and the path she has carved out for Europe’s far-right parties.
Guest: Jason Horowitz, the Rome bureau chief for The New York Times.
Background reading:
At the White House, President Biden embraced Ms. Meloni as a friend and cast aside initial doubts that her far-right party might prove to be troublesome for Washington.
Ms. Meloni has surprised many by showing a pragmatic streak since coming to power, though some still fear an authoritarian turn.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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