Italy’s First Woman Prime Minister

Italy welcomes its new prime minister, who happens to be the first woman prime minister in the country. The exciting news is somewhat polarizing when looking at her political views. The new prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, has been politically active since she was a teenage activist in a neo-fascist youth’s wing in Rome, and is the most right-wing leader since the war. She partly came to power because of fortune. Her brothers of Italian power were one of the few that chose not to join Mario Draghi’s national unity government. Meloni also won the position with a campaign built to block migrant ships and support for traditional families with anti-LGBTQ and anti-abortion values. Along with her being sworn in, so were 24 of her ministers- 6 of those being women. 2 of the male ministers have publicly come out with admiration for Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, which made people start questioning what the coalition’s approach to Russia will be. Meloni also repeatedly uses Mussolini’s famous saying, “God, homeland, family.” She explains that it’s not a fascist slogan, but rather a declaration of love. Those three words however were everywhere when Mussolini ruled and during the fascist regime in general.

Annika Fitzgerald had this to say, “I think it’s a shame. I think it’s a big step to have your first woman prime minister and I think it’s a really big achievement, but her being a woman doesn’t excuse her beliefs which are going to set the country back.”

Whether you agree or disagree with Meloni’s views, we all agree to wish the best for Italy and their leader.