Giorgia Meloni
Giorgia Meloni is a true phenomenon in Italy. Growing up in a liberal "leftist" district of Rome, she became the country's leading voice for ultra-conservative ideas in just a few years. The youngest deputy in the country in 2006 and the youngest minister in 2008, Meloni set record after record.In 2012, she founded the "right-wing" party "Brothers of Italy". While opponents branded her a "fascist", Italians seemed to embrace her political vision. Giorgia opposed LGBT initiatives and pushed for stricter immigration policies for refugees and migrants. In 2022, Meloni made history again - this time as the first female prime minister in Italy.
Early Years
Giorgia Meloni was born on January 15, 1977, in Rome, Italy's capital. She grew up with her tax advisor father Francesco, born in Sardinia, and mother Anna, a Sicily native. Giorgia had a sister.The spirited sisters often got into trouble and accidentally set their home on fire in 1980. Anna and the girls relocated to Garbatella, a working-class neighborhood known for its "left-wing" and free-thinking culture.
By then, Francesco had essentially abandoned the family, largely because his wife didn't share his political views. He was a committed communist, while Anna was a supporter of the right-wing conservative party "National Alliance" and had previously been involved in neo-fascist movements. He maintained contact with his daughters but provided no financial support. In 1989, Giorgia stopped maintaining contact with her father.
Political Career
When she was just 15, Meloni founded an organization called "Ancestors" at her school. Along with like-minded students, she aimed to oppose the school reform plans of Education Minister Rosa Russo Jervolino, who held "left" views.By then, she was already a member of the "Youth Front" of the Italian Social Movement (MSI). There, in her own words, she "found a real family". At night, Giorgia and her friends would hand out leaflets with ultra-right slogans on Rome's streets, risking serious trouble. During the day, Meloni juggled her studies with part-time work as a nanny or bartender to save money.
In 1996, Meloni became the head of the organization "Student Action". Two years later, backed by the "National Alliance" party (which her mother also supported), Giorgia won her first election to Rome's provincial council. For the next five years, she tackled issues involving culture, schools, and youth policy.
In 2001, while serving on the city council, Giorgia earned a spot on "Youth Action's" steering committee with backing from "National Alliance" leader Gianfranco Fini, and three years later took over as the organization's leader.
In 2006, Meloni was elected to the 15th term of the Chamber of Deputies. She joined the "National Alliance" faction and served as the chamber's vice-president, becoming the youngest deputy. She also worked on the Committee on Communications and Foreign Information.
"Brothers of Italy"
In 2012, Meloni decided to leave Berlusconi's party. She convinced former colleagues to follow her, and six months later co-founded a new party, "Brothers of Italy - National Right Center". The name was taken from the first line of the country's anthem, and the organization's emblem featured the colors of the national flag.Party members were labeled "new fascists," while Meloni herself compared her creation to the Republican Party of the United States or Britain's Conservative Party.
Still, the press increasingly linked Meloni's name with Berlusconi – she was seen as his natural successor. In fact, opinion polls showed her trailing only current Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in trust ratings.
In 2015, Meloni began the process of uniting right-wing forces in the country, establishing the "Our Land" movement.
Participation in Elections
Ambitious Giorgia first made a serious power play in 2016, throwing her hat in the ring for Mayor of Rome. The move caught even Berlusconi off guard, since his party had already put forward its own candidate. Meloni lost in the first round, but still outperformed Silvio's handpicked candidate.
A year later, at the World Congress of Families, Giorgia delivered a speech that went viral online. She called for protecting national and religious identity, along with family values. "I am a woman, I am a mother, I am Italian, I am a Christian!" she declared from the podium to thunderous applause, while critics tried to brand her a fascist. Critics created a humorous remix of her words that eventually became a viral hit and Giorgia's unofficial anthem.
Political Views
Despite Meloni's constant denials about her party's fascist leanings, her statements were pretty radical.She opposed same-sex relationships, saying she stuck to traditional values. Giorgia took a hard line on migrants: when a refugee ship reached Sicily's shores, she actually suggested sinking it and arresting the crew.
Meloni's ideas found resonance among Italians. Despite pushing for Italian self-sufficiency, she had no plans to isolate the country from the rest of Europe.
Critics slammed the "Brothers of Italy" leader for being too cozy with Russia. Giorgia repeatedly questioned the actions of the US and the European Union. After Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, she repeatedly pushed for easing or completely dropping Western sanctions against Russia.
Personal Life of Giorgia Meloni
In 2016, at a rally opposing same-sex couple adoption, Meloni announced her pregnancy. She didn't hide her boyfriend's identity: three years earlier, she'd begun dating TV host Andrea Giambruno, whom she'd met on a show. Their daughter, born in September 2016, was named Ginevra.
In October 2023, Meloni publicly announced her separation from the father of her child. "My relationship with Andrea Giambruno, which lasted almost 10 years, is now ending," she wrote on social media. The reason was Giambruno's flirtations with other women.
This happened shortly after Giambruno was sued over his pointed remarks. Commenting on the group rape of a 19-year-old girl that had taken place in the summer of 2023, he stated that avoiding rape was simple - just "don't get drunk". His statement sparked outrage in Italian society.
Giorgia Meloni Now
In 2022, Meloni's political attitudes have changed. After Russia's attack on Ukraine, she supported the EU's position, despite her past criticism. Meloni stated that her party has always been pro-Atlantic and condemned Russia's actions. She also actively pushed for sanctions against the country.
In October, Giorgia Meloni became Italy's Prime Minister - the first woman to hold this position in the country's history - and formed her cabinet in record time, just one day, which was recognized as the most "right-wing" since World War II.
Interesting Facts
- Meloni has published two books. In 2011, she released "We Believe," followed a few years later by her autobiography "I, Giorgia."
- Meloni may have inherited her love of writing from her mother. Anna wrote more than 100 romance novels under the pseudonym Josie Bell.
- Meloni is a big fan of fantasy. She calls Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy a "sacred text." In her youth, Giorgia was into role-playing games, participated in "Hobbit Camp," and performed with the folk group "The Fellowship of the Ring."
Important Dates in Life
- 1992 - Founded the school-based "Ancestors" organization, was a member of the "Youth Front" of the Italian Social Movement
- 1996 - Led the "Student Action"
- 1998 - Elected to Rome's provincial council representing the "National Alliance" party
- 2001 - Appointed manager of the "Youth Action" steering committee
- 2004 - Named leader of the "Youth Action" organization
- 2006 - Elected to the XV Chamber of Deputies
- 2008 - Appointed Minister of Youth and Sports of Italy
- 2012 - Founded the "Brothers of Italy" party
- 2013 - The "Brothers of Italy" party entered parliament
- 2014 - Led the "Brothers of Italy" party
- 2016 - Ran for mayor of Rome and gave birth to a daughter
- 2022 - The "Brothers of Italy" party won a parliamentary majority, making her the leading candidate for Prime Minister