Will she become the next European Leader?
Forbes, a very well-known economic magazine, has recently unveiled its annual list of the most influential women in the world. This prestigious ranking serves as a platform to highlight the critical role that women play in global politics and economic affairs and to promote awareness of gender equality. The list aims to bring attention to the key components that contribute to successful leadership and management in positions of power, which are crucial for bringing about positive change in society.
According to the ranking, Giorgia Meloni (FdI, ECR) has secured the fourth position, right behind Ursula von der Leyen (CDU, EPP), Christine Lagarde (LR, EPP), and Kamala Harris (D, S&D). It is worth noting that the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Central Bank, and the Vice President of the United States are the only women ahead of the President of the Italian Council of Ministers. This recognition places Meloni among the most powerful women in the world, marking a historic milestone not only for herself but also for Italy as a whole.
Meloni’s exceptional leadership skills and significant contributions to the political and economic spheres, both in Italy and globally, are being rightfully recognized through this ranking. Her dedication and perseverance in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, as well as her commitment to driving progress in society, have earned her this well-deserved recognition. This achievement is also an indication of the immense potential that women possess to make significant strides in leadership positions, and it represents a crucial step towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
Meloni has many current records: she is the only woman at the head of a government of the G7 and G20 member countries, and she leads one of the main European parties such as the ECR, all coming from the Italian Right which has historically encountered great resistance by public opinion and the media.
As authoritative as the Forbes ranking may be, which cites the pop star Taylor Swift in fifth place (who is also the only woman younger than Giorgia Meloni in the top ten of the ranking), it is certainly a fact that today we look to the Italian Premier as a true key figure in the European and global geopolitical balance.
Giorgia Meloni’s ascent to prominence in the European political arena has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past few years, she has climbed the ranks to become one of the most prominent figures in European politics. To fully grasp the reasons behind her meteoric rise, it is crucial to examine the key stages of her journey and understand the traits that have enabled her to achieve such a prominent position.
Giorgia Meloni’s name has been making waves among Italian and European citizens and is becoming increasingly well-known in the corridors of power. Her leadership and influence have gained widespread recognition both domestically and abroad. However, there may be some who are not yet familiar with her background and accomplishments. Therefore, the question arises: Who exactly is Giorgia Meloni?
Giorgia Meloni, a passionate and determined individual, was born in 1977 and has a deep love for her hometown of Roma and its football team of the same name. After graduating with a degree in languages, she began her political career as a city councilor in Rome. Over time, she has become a prominent figure in Italian politics, climbing the ranks to achieve positions of great power and influence. Her journey has been marked by many notable accomplishments and a dedication to serving her community and country.
She began her journey in politics at a very young age. In 1992, at the age of 15, she already joined the Youth Front, the youth organization of the Italian Social Movement, but one of the main turning points was the famous national congress in Viterbo, where, winning, she became the first female president of the right’s youth wing.
From that moment his political rise was full of successes. In 2008, at just 31 years old, she was appointed Minister of Youth in Silvio Berlusconi’s government. A continuous growth of consensus determined by her clear vision of the world and of politics that built her reputation until, in 2012, she decided to leave the People of Freedoms and found Fratelli d’Italia, the party that would lead her to be the Giorgia Meloni that we know today.
Giorgia Meloni is expected to see a significant increase in her popularity and influence in 2024. This is due to the upcoming electoral consultation on June 9th, which is predicted to result in great electoral success for both the Brothers of Italy and the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR). This outcome will strengthen Meloni’s presence in Europe and make her a formidable force in Italian politics.
Moreover, Meloni’s timing couldn’t be better, as just a week after the electoral consultation, the G7 summit will be held in Italy, and she will be in attendance. Her presence at such a high-profile event could further elevate her profile and make her a well-known figure on the global stage.
Meloni’s potential is extraordinary, and she could become one of the most powerful women in the political sight if her prospects materialize. In fact, if center-right governments are strengthened at a global level, her influence is likely to rise even more, not just in female rankings. Her rise to power could be a significant turning point in Italian politics and could potentially impact the global political landscape as well.
The European challenge is certainly the step that interests Meloni more than the others: in the latest polls the ECR has lost a bit of momentum, instead seeing a strong rise in the ID group, however, the electoral campaign is still about to get underway and therefore the balance of power could soon change.
Furthermore, the key element of the closeness between the ECR and the EPP remains from a future perspective: if the EPP has already put several vetoes on parties that are part of ID (above all the AfD and the RN), a similar scenario has not happened for the ‘ECR; similarly there is no strong resistance between the parties of the macronian and liberal RE group and those of the ECR, except for some disagreements on a national basis as in the Czech Republic, where the clash between ODS (ECR) and ANO (RE) it will hardly be able to be mended in Brussels.
In any case, it is an issue that needs to be addressed, because if it is true that this time the Right has great hopes of giving a politically cohesive majority to the European Commission, the alliances that will be generated in the European Parliament must be understood: a PPE-ECR-ID coalition there would be just a dozen seats left to win a majority, which could easily be found in non-member parties such as Fidesz in Hungary or Reconquête in France. However, if there are many crossed vetoes, it will be necessary to broaden the field to Renew Europe and the defections could be different.
Giorgia Meloni’s ability will have to lie in knowing how to mediate between the various parties, proposing herself as a real political guide of a coalition even without being the main electoral “stakeholder”. If you manage to regroup the more “government” souls of the EPP and the ID around the ECR group, also attracting the forces further to the right of the liberals and non-members, the challenge will be won.