Giorgia Meloni facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Giorgia Meloni
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Official portrait, 2024
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| Prime Minister of Italy | |
| Assumed office 22 October 2022 |
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| President | Sergio Mattarella |
| Deputy | |
| Preceded by | Mario Draghi |
| President of Brothers of Italy | |
| Assumed office 8 March 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Ignazio La Russa |
| President of the European Conservatives and Reformists Party | |
| In office 1 April 2020 – 14 January 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Jan Zahradil |
| Succeeded by | Mateusz Morawiecki |
| Minister of Youth | |
| In office 8 May 2008 – 16 November 2011 |
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| Prime Minister | Silvio Berlusconi |
| Preceded by | Giovanna Melandri |
| Succeeded by | Andrea Riccardi |
| Member of the Chamber of Deputies | |
| Assumed office 28 April 2006 |
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| Constituency |
See list
Lazio 1 (2006–2008)
Lazio 2 (2008–2013) Lombardy 3 (2013–2018) Latina (2018–2022) L'Aquila (since 2022) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 January 1977 Rome, Italy |
| Political party | FdI (since 2012) |
| Other political affiliations |
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| Domestic partners | Andrea Giambruno (2015–2023) |
| Children | 1 |
| Signature |  |
Giorgia Meloni (born 15 January 1977) is an Italian politician. She has been the Prime Minister of Italy since October 2022. She is the first woman to hold this important position. Since 2006, she has been a member of the Chamber of Deputies, which is like Italy's main parliament. She has also led the Brothers of Italy (FdI) political party since 2014. From 2020 to 2025, she was the president of the European Conservatives and Reformists Party.
Meloni started her political journey in 1992, joining a youth group called the Youth Front. Later, she became a leader in student movements. From 1998 to 2002, she served as a local councilor in the province of Rome. In 2008, she became the Minister for Youth Policies, a role she held until 2011. In 2012, she helped create the Brothers of Italy party and became its leader in 2014. Her party grew in popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, as it was the only major party not part of the government at the time. After the government changed, her party won the 2022 Italian general election.
Meloni is a Catholic and holds conservative views. She believes in protecting "God, fatherland, family." She supports traditional family structures and is against certain modern social changes. She is also a strong supporter of NATO. While she has been critical of the European Union (EU) in the past, she describes her views as "Eurorealist," meaning she wants a strong Europe made of independent nations. She has condemned the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and has promised to continue supporting Ukraine. In 2024, Forbes magazine named her one of the most powerful women in the world.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Giorgia Meloni was born in Rome, Italy, on 15 January 1977. Her father left the family when she was very young. She grew up in a working-class area of Rome called Garbatella. In her autobiography, Meloni shared that her childhood experiences helped shape her political ideas. She has an older sister, Arianna, who is also involved in politics.
Starting in Politics
In 1992, when she was 15, Meloni joined the Youth Front. This was the youth branch of a political party called the Italian Social Movement (MSI). During this time, she started a student group called "The Ancestors." This group protested against changes to public education. In 1996, she became a national leader for "Student Action," a student movement linked to the National Alliance (AN) party.
In 1998, Meloni was elected as a local councilor for the province of Rome. She held this position until 2002. In 2004, she became the first woman president of "Youth Action," the youth wing of the AN party. During these years, she worked various jobs, including as a nanny and a bartender, to support herself.
Political Career
Minister of Youth
In the 2006 Italian general election, Meloni was elected to the Chamber of Deputies. She was a member of the National Alliance (AN) party. At 29, she became the youngest-ever vice-president of the Chamber of Deputies.
In 2008, at 31 years old, she was appointed Minister for Youth Policies in the government led by Silvio Berlusconi. She held this role until 2011. She was the second youngest minister in Italy's history. In 2009, her party merged with another, forming The People of Freedom (PdL). She then led the youth section of this new party, called Young Italy. In 2010, she introduced a plan called "Right to the Future." This plan aimed to invest €300 million in young people, offering support for new businesses and loans for students.
Leading Brothers of Italy
In December 2012, Meloni, along with other politicians, started a new political party called Brothers of Italy (FdI). The party's name comes from the Italian national anthem. In the 2013 Italian general election, her party gained 2.0% of the votes and 9 seats in parliament. She was re-elected to the Chamber of Deputies and became the party's leader in the house until 2014.
In March 2014, Meloni became the president of the Brothers of Italy party. She ran in the 2014 European Parliament election but her party did not get enough votes to enter the European Parliament. In 2015, she created "Our Land," a group to help grow the FdI party's support.
In 2016, she took part in the Family Day event, which supported traditional family values. She announced her pregnancy at this event, and her daughter Ginevra was born in September. In June 2016, she ran for mayor of Rome. She received 20.6% of the votes but did not win the election.
Meloni formed an alliance with the League party, led by Matteo Salvini. Together, they campaigned against the center-left government. In the 2018 Italian general election, the Brothers of Italy party received 4.4% of the votes, winning more seats than in 2013. Meloni was elected to the Chamber of Deputies for the Latina, Lazio area.
In October 2019, Meloni gave a speech in Rome where she famously said: "I am Giorgia. I'm a woman, I'm a mother, I'm Italian, I'm Christian." This phrase became very popular online, helping to increase her public recognition.
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In October 2021, Meloni signed the Madrid Charter, a document that describes left-wing groups as enemies of certain regions. She also spoke at a political conference in Florida in February 2022, telling American conservatives to defend their views.
2022 Italian General Election
Before the 2022 Italian general election, it was agreed that the leader of the party with the most votes in the center-right alliance would become prime minister. The Brothers of Italy party was leading in opinion polls, making Meloni the likely candidate.
Meloni tried to show a more moderate image to address concerns about her party's past. She stated that Italian fascism is a part of history. She said her party shared values with conservative parties in the UK, Israel, and the US. Her campaign focused on lower taxes, less European bureaucracy, and stopping illegal immigration.
In the 2022 election, the center-right alliance won a majority of seats. Meloni's Brothers of Italy party received the most votes within the alliance. This meant she was set to become Italy's first female prime minister. Many international leaders congratulated her on her victory.
Prime Minister of Italy
Forming the Government
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After the election, Meloni worked to form a new government. On 20 October 2022, she met with President Sergio Mattarella. The next day, she announced the members of her cabinet, which is the group of ministers who will help her lead the country. Her government was officially sworn in on 22 October.
On 25 October, Meloni gave her first official speech as Prime Minister to the Chamber of Deputies. She spoke about the importance of being the first woman to lead Italy. She thanked many Italian women who had paved the way, saying they "built the ladder that today allows me to climb and break the heavy glass ceiling placed over our heads." Her government won the confidence vote in both houses of parliament.
Domestic Policies
One of the first actions of her government was to remove the COVID-19 vaccination certificate, known as the Green Pass in Italy. They also allowed unvaccinated doctors to return to work. The government also approved a new law to prevent illegal gatherings.
Economically, Meloni's government focused on controlling energy prices. They continued efforts to lower costs, provide support to families and businesses, and increase Italy's own gas production. They also raised the limit on cash payments.
In February 2023, a boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of Calabria, leading to many deaths. Meloni expressed sadness and condemned human traffickers. In May 2023, the Emilia-Romagna region experienced severe floods. Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited the affected areas. The government approved a €2 billion recovery package to help with the damage.
Constitutional Reform
In late 2022, Meloni announced plans for a constitutional reform. This reform aims to strengthen the powers of the Prime Minister. In November 2023, she officially presented the reform. It proposes the direct election of the Prime Minister by popular vote. It also suggests a new electoral law that would give the winning alliance 55% of parliamentary seats.
Foreign Policy
Meloni's first meeting with a foreign leader was with French President Emmanuel Macron in October 2022. They discussed the energy crisis and the conflict in Ukraine. In November 2022, she met with European Union leaders in Brussels.
She attended her first international summit, the UN COP27, in Egypt. She stated Italy's commitment to fighting climate change and diversifying energy sources. She also met with US President Joe Biden at the G20 summit in Indonesia.
In January 2023, Meloni visited Algeria and signed a deal for gas supply to Italy. In February 2023, she visited Ukraine and met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She visited Bucha, a town affected by the conflict, and pledged Italy's continued support for Ukraine. She also visited India and Israel in March 2023.
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In April 2023, Meloni visited Ethiopia and announced the "Mattei Plan" for investments in Africa. She attended the 49th G7 summit in Japan in May 2023. In July, she traveled to Tunis with other European leaders to sign an agreement to strengthen economic ties and fight illegal migration.
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In July 2023, she visited the United States and met with President Joe Biden. They discussed Ukraine, China, Africa, and economic cooperation. During the Gaza war, Meloni supported Israel's right to defend itself. In October 2024, she condemned attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.
In April 2024, Meloni announced she would run for a seat in the European Parliament. Her party won the most votes in Italy, and she became the most voted candidate. From 13 to 15 June 2024, Meloni hosted the 50th G7 summit in Italy. Leaders discussed global issues like conflicts, climate change, and the economy.
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In October 2024, she visited Lebanon to show Italy's support during the ongoing conflict. In December 2024, an Italian journalist was arrested in Iran. Meloni worked to secure her release, and the journalist was freed in January 2025. In January 2025, a Libyan general was arrested in Italy but later released and sent back to Libya.
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In April 2025, Meloni visited Washington, D.C. and met with US President Donald Trump. They discussed trade and strengthening ties between Europe and the US.
Political Views
Meloni describes herself as a mainstream conservative. She supports a strong leader for Italy and wants to change the Constitution of Italy to give more power to the Prime Minister.
Social Issues
Meloni is "pro-family" and supports traditional family values. She is against same-sex marriage and same-sex parenting. She believes that families should be headed by a male-female couple. She has stated that she would not change Italy's law on civil unions for same-sex couples, but she has also supported efforts to make it illegal for same-sex couples to adopt children. She is also against surrogacy.
Meloni is skeptical of what she calls "gender ideology," believing it attacks female identity and motherhood. She has criticized the idea of representing same-sex couples in children's media.
Feminism
Meloni has said she is a "right-wing woman" who supports women's issues. However, she does not identify as a feminist. She believes that feminism, as it is sometimes understood, is more about ideology than about helping women in practical ways. She is against "pink quotas," which are rules that set a certain number of positions for women.
Some people have debated whether Meloni becoming the first female Prime Minister is a victory for women. Some see it as a positive step, while others disagree due to her political views.
Immigration and Multiculturalism
Meloni believes Italy needs a strict approach to illegal immigration. She wants to stop illegal immigrants from reaching Italian ports. She also wants to increase Italy's birth rate to reduce the need for migrant workers. She is against giving citizenship to foreigners born in Italy based only on their birth.
She has stated that Italy should welcome refugees fleeing war, but be stricter with others who are not refugees. In 2023, during a large arrival of migrants on the island of Lampedusa, Meloni asked the European Commission president to visit and help speed up agreements to manage migration flows. She has stated that Europe and Italy need legal immigration, and that only illegal immigration must be stopped.
Foreign Issues
Meloni has been critical of Italy's past relations with countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, saying they spread ideas that lead to extremism. However, after becoming Prime Minister, her government has aimed to maintain good relations with Saudi Arabia. She has also sought closer ties with Turkey due to shared interests.
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Before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Meloni supported better relations with Russia. However, she has since strongly condemned the invasion and pledged to continue sending weapons to Ukraine. She supports NATO and believes in a Europe of independent nations. She is also a critic of China and supports closer ties between Italy and Taiwan.
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In 2014, she condemned "another massacre of children in Gaza" during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Later, she became a supporter of closer relations with Israel. However, after the 2023 Israeli invasion of Gaza, she changed her stance and imposed an arms embargo on Israel. She supports a two-state solution for peace in the region.
COVID-19 and Vaccines
Meloni has expressed some caution about vaccines. She has stated that her party would review Italy's policies during the COVID-19 pandemic and end the vaccine mandate for healthcare workers.
Relationship with Fascism
Throughout her career, Meloni has faced questions about her party's historical ties. In 2022, she stated that her party "handed fascism over to history for decades now" and "unambiguously condemns the suppression of democracy and the ignominious anti-Jewish laws." She has also called the 1938 racial laws "the lowest point in Italian history."
The Brothers of Italy party flag includes a "tricolour flame," a symbol associated with a past political movement. Meloni has kept this symbol, saying it represents her party's history.
Personal Life
In 2015, Meloni began a relationship with Andrea Giambruno, a journalist. They have a daughter, born in 2016. In October 2023, she announced their separation.
Meloni is a Catholic and often speaks about her faith. She has said: "I am Giorgia. I am a woman, I am a mother, I am Italian, I am Christian." She has also stated that she does not like being linked to Italy's fascist past.
Besides Italian, Meloni speaks English, Spanish, and French. She is a big fan of fantasy books, especially J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. She even named one of her political conferences "Atreyu," after a character from The Neverending Story. In November 2023, she opened a major exhibition about J.R.R. Tolkien in Rome.
Achievements and Recognition
Forbes magazine has recognized Meloni as one of the most powerful women in the world, ranking her third in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, Time magazine included her in its list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Politico Europe also named her Europe's Most Powerful Person in their Class of 2025.
International Awards
Finland: Grand Cross of the Order of the White Rose of Finland (2023)
Spain: Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (2024)
Ukraine: Member of the Order of Liberty (2024)
Electoral History
Meloni has been a member of Parliament since 2006. She was most recently re-elected in 2022.
| Election | House | Constituency | Party | Votes | Result | |
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| 2006 | Chamber of Deputies | Lazio 1 | AN | – |  Elected |
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| 2008 | Chamber of Deputies | Lazio 2 | PdL | – | Elected |
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| 2013 | Chamber of Deputies | Lombardy 3 | FdI | – | Elected |
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| 2014 | European Parliament | Central Italy | FdI | 99,143 |  Not elected |
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| 2018 | Chamber of Deputies | Lazio 2 – Latina | FdI | 70,268 | Elected |
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| 2019 | European Parliament | Central Italy | FdI | 130,159 | Elected |
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| 2022 | Chamber of Deputies | Abruzzo – L'Aquila | FdI | 104,823 | Elected |
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| 2024 | European Parliament | Central Italy | FdI | 611,847 | Elected |
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Parliamentary Elections
Meloni won parliamentary elections in 2018 and 2022.
| 2018 general election (C): Latina | ||||
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| Candidate | Coalition | Votes | % | |
| Giorgia Meloni | Centre-right coalition | 70,268 | 41.0 | |
| Leone Martellucci | Five Star Movement | 62,563 | 36.5 | |
| Federico Fauttilli | Centre-left coalition | 26,293 | 15.3 | |
| Others | 12,269 | 7.2 | ||
| Total | 171,393 | 100.0 | ||
| 2022 general election (C): L'Aquila | ||||
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| Candidate | Coalition | Votes | % | |
| Giorgia Meloni | Centre-right coalition | 104,823 | 51.5 | |
| Rita Innocenzi | Centre-left coalition | 42,630 | 20.9 | |
| Attilio D'Andrea | Five Star Movement | 33,132 | 16.3 | |
| Others | 22,998 | 11.3 | ||
| Total | 203,583 | 100.0 | ||
Local Elections
Meloni ran for mayor of Rome in 2016 but did not win.
| 2016 municipal election: Rome | ||||||
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| Candidate | Coalition | Votes | % | Votes | % | |
| Virginia Raggi | Five Star Movement | 461,190 | 35.3 | 770,564 | 67.2 | |
| Roberto Giachetti | Centre-left coalition | 325,835 | 24.9 | 376,935 | 32.8 | |
| Giorgia Meloni | Centre-right coalition | 269,760 | 20.6 | |||
| Others | 251,160 | 19.2 | ||||
| Total | 1,307,945 | 100.0 | 1,147,499 | 100.0 | ||
See also
In Spanish: Giorgia Meloni para niños
- Brothers of Italy
- Conservatism in Italy
- Italian prime ministers
- Meloni government
- 2022 Italian general election
