By Jacob Braun
Giorgia Meloni holding up a scarf that reads “We defend God, Homeland and Family,” Massimo Paolone/AP, via the Guardian
The election of Giorgia Meloni as Italian Prime Minister reflects a significant change in the landscape of Italian politics. Regionalist squabbles were put down to support a candidate rooted in traditions all Italians could relate to, who supposedly would fight in their corner against the entrenched liberal European order centered in Brussels. Fratelli d’Italia brought together the varied identities of Italy and pointed them at a single target; if their campaign was so effective, what does this mean for the future?
SYMBOLISM
It is no coincidence Meloni’s party is named Fratelli d’Italia. Translated into english it means “brothers of Italy,” and it is also the name of the country’s national anthem. The anthem itself evokes much of Italy’s rich history from the Romans to their conquest of territories from Austria-Hungary, promoting the underlying notion that throughout all of time Italians have fought bravely alongside one another as equals and heroes. Using this imagery, Meloni weaved in her populist tactics and brought the party to the parliament.
TRADITION
The imagery co-opted by the FdI also evokes a strong traditional message. This is especially apparent when considering Meloni’s staunch desire to put God, fatherland and family first in the lives of Italians. These traditions transcend regional borders, and unite the historically rivaled north and south in a campaign against those perceived to be threatening christendom and the status quo familial structure.
LOOKING AHEAD
Looking to the future, a multitude of different things could happen under the Meloni government. Perhaps we’ll see her go through with the anti-immigration naval blockade and also cut ties with the EU in an Italexit, or Meloni might maintain EU connections in the face of the conflict in Ukraine. I can be sure though that Meloni will stand by her traditionalist stances and will do her best to maintain a north-south identity alliance. Silver lining is, the election turnout for Meloni was only 64%—a surprisingly low number. Maybe all of our fears are overblown, and there is no real power behind the Meloni cabinet. Nevertheless, the next few years will be quite turbulent for Europe. I can only be thankful I can watch them from a distance here in Canada.
The Plague of Populism 
Hey Jacob!
As you have mentioned, the very name of her party suggests historical notions of Italian victory over others. It is this romanization of the past and this idea of Italian glory that Meloni is apart of is why I have connected her to the dictator of Italy Mussolini in my own personal blog. this is not to say that she is the only one within Italy who believes this way, as many other Italian politicians (such as Matteo Salvini) have also been shown as reveling in this historical preservation of Italian victory. Also, this idea of “tradition” that you mention is truly insightful as you have stated that the preservation of the Italian family is a unifying factor between the heavily divided north and south regions of Italy. Will this work for her? As I have said many times before, only time will tell.
LikeLike