Giorgia Meloni Celebrates Record Government Longevity at Bari Rally

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni celebrated her government becoming the longest running in the history of the Italian Republic during a party rally in Bari. Her administration reached 1,413 days in power, surpassing the previous record held by Silvio Berlusconi's second term. During her speech, Meloni described stability as the first great reform of her administration and stated that Italy is no longer viewed as a nation that frequently changes governments before completing its goals. She emphasized that her government is a shield against international crises and internal emergencies.

Meloni used the event to launch a political challenge ahead of future elections, asserting that she will not give up. She defended her electoral reform as a means to prevent the palace deals and government overturns she attributed to the Democratic Party. On policy, she confirmed the extension of Special Economic Zones across Italy and discussed the need for national energy security by increasing domestic oil extraction. She also addressed migration, claiming that the European Union has adopted positions that were once labeled as extremist when proposed by her government.

During the rally, Meloni made a personal appearance by answering a phone call from her nine year old daughter, Ginevra, which was noted by several reports. She also addressed the issue of femicide, citing the murder of Lorena Isceri to argue that killing a woman for daring to be free is not Christian. This comment was interpreted by some as an implicit response to General Roberto Vannacci, though he was not mentioned by name.

International reactions included congratulations from Argentine President Javier Milei via social media, where both leaders exchanged messages of friendship and shared values. While center right sources highlighted the event as a demonstration of strength and stability, center left coverage focused on the contrast between Meloni's perceived reliability as an international partner and a more critical assessment of her domestic record.