Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will mark a political milestone Friday, Sept. 4, when she joins senior members of the governing majority at Bari’s new cruise terminal.
Her government has reached 1,413 days since being sworn in on Oct. 22, 2022, surpassing the previous record held by Silvio Berlusconi’s second government. According to Pagella Politica, Berlusconi’s government lasted 1,409 days in full operation and 1,412 days including caretaker administration.
Nearly four years with the same coalition is significant in Italy, where governments have traditionally been short-lived. Meloni’s Brothers of Italy, League and Forza Italia have remained together despite predictions that the coalition would fracture.
But longevity raises the question of what that stability has produced.
According to Istat, Italy’s public administration deficit fell from 8.1% of GDP in 2022 to 3.1% in 2025, although public debt reached 3,095.9 billion euros, or 137.1% of GDP.
Employment has also improved. In July 2026, Italy had 24.37 million employed people, 307,000 more than a year earlier. The employment rate reached 63.2%, while unemployment fell to 5.8%. Permanent employment accounted for most of the increase.
The European Commission nevertheless continues to flag low labor participation among women and young people and wide regional disparities.
Spread, PNRR and migration
The government can also point to a sharp decline in the bond spread, from about 220 basis points in autumn 2022 to around 80 basis points ahead of the Bari event. The improvement reflects greater market confidence, although the spread is influenced by factors beyond government policy, including European Central Bank decisions and wider market conditions.
The PNRR remains a major test. By May 4, 2026, Italy had received 153.2 billion euros, about 79% of its allocation, after completing 366 milestones and targets. Brussels has also positively assessed Italy’s ninth payment request worth 12.8 billion euros.
The European Commission continues to call for faster reforms, reduced bureaucracy and more effective public spending.
Migration is another area where the government points to progress. Arrivals fell from 157,651 in 2023 to 66,316 in 2025. Between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31, 2026, arrivals stood at 19,497, compared with 42,693 during the same period in 2025. However, 127,321 people remained in the reception system at the end of August.
Meloni has succeeded in maintaining coalition stability for almost four years. But stability alone does not resolve Italy’s longstanding challenges in public administration, health care, justice, productivity and labor participation.
As the 2027 election approaches, the central question will be whether the government has used its record time in office to deliver lasting reforms.
The 1,413-day milestone may be celebrated in Bari as a political achievement. In 2027, voters will decide whether that longevity deserves a reward — or whether the government should instead be judged on what remains unfinished.
