The Global Story How Giorgia Meloni became Trump's best friend in Europe
Oct 24, 2025
Barbara Serra, an accomplished Italian journalist, dives into the intriguing rise of Giorgia Meloni, Italy's first female Prime Minister. Serra discusses Meloni's populist roots and her controversial stance on migration and family values. The podcast explores her relationship with Donald Trump, highlighting their political kinship. Serra also reveals how Meloni's early life shaped her ideology and the implications of her party's origins in Italian fascism. Can Meloni sway Trump on key issues? Serra provides insights on this potential influence.
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From MSI Roots To Mainstream Right
- Meloni's party traces to the MSI, founded by former fascists after WWII, which rebranded in the 1990s into a mainstream conservative force.
- Her political rise mirrors that transformation from neo-fascist roots to accepted right-wing politics in Italy.
Berlusconi Years And Political Break
- Meloni was a young minister under Silvio Berlusconi and later split to form Brothers of Italy around 2012.
- Serra says her time with Berlusconi taught her to handle big male egos while forging her independent leadership.
COVID Opposition Boosted Her Rise
- Meloni's prominence rose after she opposed strict COVID lockdowns as the main opposition voice, boosting her national profile.
- That momentum helped her performance in the 2022 elections and eventual premiership.
