Giorgia Meloni's government became the longest serving in Italy's republican history last month. This unusual political longevity, a moderate foreign policy, a certain personal charisma and even a recent spat with Donald Trump have combined to sharpen Meloni's profile as the go-to leader on the European right.
Meloni's personal approval rating – at about 41% – is one of the highest among west European leaders. Her far-right Brothers of Italy party has retained most of its support – a striking feat in our anti-incumbent era and by Italian standards, an achievement.
Yet all this may not suffice for her ruling coalition to be returned to power at Italy's next election, in 2027. Even before this week's riots in Milan, Meloni's greatest challenge was emerging from her far right, in the form of a new movement led by the former army general, Roberto Vannacci.