Giorgia Meloni heads one of the longest serving governments in the history of the Italian Republic. The first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister is still firmly in the driving seat after three years. Since the election in September 2022, her Fratelli d'Italia's poll ratings have risen. With 26%, the right-wing nationalist party became the strongest force in parliament. Some polls put it at more than 30%. Abroad – especially with her European partners – Meloni has moved from the extreme right-wing outsider to the moderate midfield. Instead of radicalism, the 48-year-old radiates stability. This could lend her even more weight in the EU, especially at a time when political and economic uncertainty is increasing in France.