The Meloni effect: Has Italy's prime minister delivered on her promises?

Europe

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Issued on: 03/07/2026 - 11:33

12:45 min

From the show

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1 min

On September 25, 2022, Giorgia Meloni made history by becoming the first female leader of an Italian government, with a powerful personal story – that of a child from a deprived neighbourhood of Rome reaching the summit of power thanks to her popularity. Three and a half years later, the honeymoon period seems to be over. Meloni's defeat in a judicial reform referendum in March marks the end of the myth of her invincibility, and a turning point as her government approaches the end of its term.

Read moreItalian voters reject Giorgia Meloni's judicial reform in referendum defeat

In the southern working-class Rome neighbourhood of Garbatella, where Meloni grew up, locals are beginning to have doubts about the head of the Italian far right. Opinions there concerning her political legacy are increasingly divided.

FRANCE 24's Natalia Mendoza, Tommaso Marro, Bernard Bedarida and Charlotte Davan Wetton report.

By:

Bernard BEDARIDA

Charlotte DAVAN WETTON

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