Kathmandu— Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has led Italy's government for 1,412 consecutive days, setting a record as the longest-serving administration since World War II, surpassing Silvio Berlusconi's previous mark, as supporters celebrate the milestone in the mountain resort of Abetone Cutigliano while analysts question whether longevity equates to political stability.

Historic Milestone Celebrated

In the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, supporters of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni gathered in Abetone Cutigliano to celebrate the historic achievement of her government becoming Italy's longest-serving since WWII.

Andrea Tonarelli, a 35-year-old councillor for Brothers of Italy's local branch, described the milestone as a 'point of pride,' noting that such a result would have been 'unthinkable' a decade ago. He credited the party's focus on 'patriotic' policies, including border protection and opposition to environmental restrictions on hunting and logging, for resonating with younger voters like himself.

Symbolism and Political Identity

Grazia Di Maggio, the youngest member of the Chamber of Deputies for Brothers of Italy, called Meloni's government record 'profoundly symbolic,' highlighting that Meloni is Italy's first female prime minister from a right-wing background.

Di Maggio emphasized Meloni's distancing from fascism, noting that the Italian right has 'handed the ideology over to history,' and argued that the government demonstrates 'a right-wing government can be credible, stable and uphold its responsibilities.'

Analysts Question Stability

Political historian Paolo Carusi cautioned that 'political stability is not measured by the government's longevity,' pointing to Italy's electoral law favoring Meloni's coalition and her party's willingness to abandon parts of its agenda to maintain unity.

Carusi warned that Meloni's government faces challenges from a new far-right party led by Roberto Vannacci, which has become Italy's fourth most popular force, potentially threatening her coalition in the 2027 elections.

Political scientist Piero Ignazi described the government's longevity as a period of 'stasis,' noting that Italy's economy remains fragile with growth projected at just 0.6 percent in 2026, and the country is expected to rank last in EU growth while leading in public debt.

Economic and Social Concerns

Ignazi highlighted that Meloni's government has introduced 52 new felonies related to public dissent and protest rights, marking a 'dangerous setback' that could signal further restrictions under future right-wing administrations.

The reforms, which criminalize actions previously handled with fines or civil penalties, have raised concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the potential for increased political repression.

With the 2027 elections approaching and a new far-right party gaining traction, Meloni's government faces both internal and external challenges to its record-breaking tenure.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.