Wir laden sie ein, und wir haben uns nie wieder getrennt : in der roten Festung der Garbatella, die politische Jugend von Giorgia Meloni

In the heart of Rome’s once-leftist stronghold, Garbatella, young members of Giorgia Meloni’s political movement gathered in a narrow alleyway, their voices echoing against the faded red walls of a building that holds deep historical significance. The scene unfolded under the scent of jasmine, with young activists clad in polos and Bermuda shorts sipping beer while discussing the legacy of their leader. This was the site where Meloni began her political journey over three decades ago, and today, it remained a symbolic hub for her party, Fratelli d'Italia (FdI). The gathering marked a rare public appearance by Meloni herself, who has largely stayed away from such grassroots settings since taking power four years ago. The event took place in a modest space that once housed a community center, now repurposed as a base for FdI’s youth wing. Inside, the atmosphere was charged with energy and nostalgia. One activist, Mattia Rocco del Balzo, described the location as “mythical,” emphasizing how it had become a touchstone for the younger generation of conservatives seeking to revive Italy’s traditional values. The room was filled with campaign materials and posters bearing Meloni’s image, each one a testament to the enduring influence she still wields despite her absence from daily political life. Meloni, now 47, had first stepped into this space at age 15, marking the beginning of her transformation from a radical far-right student into Italy’s most powerful woman. Her early involvement in the neo-fascist movement laid the groundwork for her eventual rise to leadership within FdI, which she founded in 2013. Though her past associations have drawn controversy, her current coalition with centrist parties has positioned her as a pragmatic force capable of navigating Europe’s complex political landscape. The visit to Garbatella underscored the importance of reconnecting with the roots of her political career. While Meloni rarely appears in public, her presence here signaled a deliberate effort to reaffirm her ties to the working-class neighborhoods that once seemed beyond the reach of right-wing politics. The young activists present were eager to share stories of how they had followed her path, even as they acknowledged the challenges of operating in a deeply divided society. Among the group, there was a mix of reverence and humor. One member joked about Meloni’s height, a recurring topic among male colleagues, noting that she could stand tall in the small space where she first made her mark. Despite the light-hearted banter, the tone remained respectful, reflecting a shared sense of purpose rooted in ideological conviction. As the evening wore on, the focus shifted to the future. Many of the young activists expressed hope that their efforts would help reshape Italy’s political direction, drawing inspiration from Meloni’s ability to bridge divides and appeal to broader audiences. They spoke of organizing more events in similar spaces, aiming to bring together communities that had long been marginalized by mainstream politics. For now, the meeting served as both a celebration of past achievements and a rallying point for the future. It highlighted the ongoing relevance of Meloni’s vision, even as questions remain about how best to translate her ideals into lasting change. As the night drew to a close, the echoes of laughter and conversation lingered, a quiet promise of continued engagement in the political life of Italy’s capital.