Europe10 December, 20243 min read
Italy’s Giorgia Meloni Seizes Power as Europe’s Most Influential Leader Despite Far-Right Roots
Giorgia Meloni and two ministers face ICC complaint for alleged complicity in Gaza genocide. Italy is among few countries exporting major arms to Israel during its Gaza military offensive.
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Giorgia Meloni's Political Rise
Giorgia Meloni is being cast by multiple outlets as Europe’s preeminent political force. This elevation is influenced by Politico’s ranking and a regional vacuum of strong centrist leadership. Coverage traces her trajectory from "neo-fascist" and "ultranationalist" beginnings to an EU-accepted power broker.
“At 47, Meloni has established one of Italy’s most stable postwar governments... Her relationship with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is described as complicated, but she benefits from weakened leadership in Paris and Berlin... Internationally, Meloni is reportedly favored by billionaire Elon Musk and could gain further momentum if Donald Trump is reelected...”
She now presides over one of Italy’s most stable postwar governments. Several reports note she benefits from weakened leadership in Paris and Berlin. She also gains from growing direct engagement with figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump.
The overarching picture is of a leader whose hard-edged origins have not prevented her from becoming central to European and transatlantic conversations. However, the exact timing and framing of her "most powerful" designation differ across reports.
Meloni's EU Migration Policy
Across EU policy, especially migration, Politico describes Meloni moving from Euroskeptic roots to a transactional partnership with Brussels. She is shaping the bloc’s agenda alongside Ursula von der Leyen. Politico reports she helped drive deals with North African countries and inspired new EU migration-control directives.
She also attempted—then largely abandoned after legal setbacks—a plan to detain undocumented migrants in Albania. Other outlets echo her influence but with different tones.
Some celebrate “historic agreements,” while others underline that her migration and LGBTQ+ stances remain controversial. Despite this, EU elites are increasingly accepting her.
Meloni's European Leadership Style
On the European stage, multiple outlets depict Meloni as reconciling roots in Euroskeptic nationalism with practical cooperation. She minimizes anti-EU rhetoric, aligns with NATO, and champions Ukraine. Politico notes she even persuaded Hungary to back a major aid package for Ukraine.
“While leading the Euroskeptic European Conservatives and Reformists Party, Meloni has minimized anti-EU rhetoric and positioned herself as a strong supporter of Ukraine, even persuading Hungary to back a major aid package.”
Others underline the pragmatic mechanics of her influence, describing a ‘complicated’ yet mutually useful rapport with von der Leyen. There is a leadership vacuum in Paris and Berlin, which Meloni fills.
She maintains a steady stream of engagement from Brussels and Washington. Her profile eclipses even Macron and Scholz in some rankings.
Italian Political Landscape
At home, portrayals diverge between boosterism and scrutiny. il Giornale salutes Politico’s accolade as proof Italy is not isolated and lauds the unusual stability of her government. L’Unità agrees she’s consolidated power and cites polling near 29%, but argues Politico’s upbeat profile ignores shortcomings on growth, employment, poverty, and inflation.
Meanwhile, other accounts keep noting she commands a durable majority yet faces controversy on rights and migration even as that stance gains acceptance among EU elites. Sky TG24 adds current domestic maneuvering on the budget and judicial matters, underscoring how her consolidation coexists with continued political contention.
Italy's Arms Supply Controversies
Beyond Brussels, a West Asian perspective reveals points of tension. Al Jazeera highlights protests against Israel’s war on Gaza and SIPRI data showing Italy as one of only three major arms suppliers to Israel from 2020 to 2024. These supplies include components for F‑35 fighter jets, which critics fear could be used in breaches of international humanitarian law.
“Italy is one of only three countries exporting major conventional arms to Israel between 2020 and 2024... Italy also provides parts for F-35 fighter jets... Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized that arms deliveries continue only under contracts signed before October 7, 2023... amid large-scale protests in Italy opposing Israel’s military actions in Gaza.”
Italy’s defense minister maintains that deliveries continue only under contracts signed before October 7 and with guarantees that they will not target civilians. This stance contrasts with her strong support for Ukraine and alignment with NATO and the EU. These controversies test the limits of her pragmatic cooperation, which some sources suggest could either deepen or shift back toward more hardline positions depending on future developments.
