Four years at the top The Meloni phenomenon: Italy's record government in a reality check

Four years after taking office with grand promises, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faces scrutiny over whether her government has delivered on its pledges. Meloni entered politics in autumn 2022 with ambitious goals: to increase birth rates among Italians, show zero tolerance toward criminals, establish deportation camps in Albania, and revive national pride through the concept of “orgoglio italiano.” Now, four years later, citizens across Italy are assessing the impact of these promises against the realities they have encountered. The political landscape in Italy has shifted significantly since Meloni’s rise to power. She became the country's first female prime minister, leading a coalition government composed of her party Fratelli d’Italia, along with Forza Italia under Antonio Tajani and the League under Matteo Salvini. Meloni’s leadership marks a departure from the long-standing male-dominated political elite, yet her policies have drawn both support and criticism. The government has implemented stricter laws targeting crime and immigration, including harsher penalties for criminal activity and new legal provisions aimed at curbing illegal migration. Despite these measures, some areas of Italy remain largely unchanged. In Scampia, a notorious neighborhood in northern Naples known for high crime rates and dilapidated infrastructure, residents continue to face challenges that predate Meloni’s tenure. Emanuele Cerullo, a 33-year-old teacher and writer who grew up in Scampia, highlights the lack of progress in improving living conditions. He points to abandoned public projects such as an outdoor theater that was never completed due to neglect and disinterest in local voices. “People here simply aren’t listened to,” he says, emphasizing how proposed developments often fail to address the community’s actual needs. Cerullo also notes the absence of green spaces and the preference of many locals to spend time in air-conditioned shopping centers rather than in neglected parks. This trend reflects broader issues of urban decay and social inequality, which Meloni’s government has struggled to address effectively. While the administration has introduced tougher measures against organized crime and drug trafficking, tangible improvements in safety and quality of life remain elusive for many in Scampia. The relationship between Meloni and international allies has also faced strain. Initially aligned with former U.S. President Donald Trump due to shared right-leaning ideologies, their partnership deteriorated following tensions related to the Iran conflict. This shift underscores the complexities of maintaining diplomatic ties while adhering to domestic policy priorities. Meanwhile, Meloni’s presence at global forums, such as the G7 summit in Canada in 2025, highlighted her role as one of the few women representing major world powers alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Meloni’s government has focused heavily on reinforcing national identity and reducing perceived threats from external influences. However, this approach has sparked debates within Italy about the balance between security and civil liberties. Critics argue that the emphasis on strict law enforcement and border control has come at the expense of addressing deeper socioeconomic issues affecting vulnerable populations. As the fourth anniversary of Meloni’s leadership approaches, the Italian public continues to evaluate the outcomes of her policies. While some see her as a symbol of renewed national pride and determination, others question whether the promised reforms have translated into meaningful change for everyday Italians. The coming months will likely reveal more about the trajectory of her government and its ability to meet the expectations set forth during her initial campaign.