The Meloni effect: Has Italy's prime minister delivered on her promises?

On September 25, 2022, Giorgia Meloni made history by becoming the first female leader of an Italian government, with a powerful personal story – that of a child from a deprived neighbourhood of Rome reaching the summit of power thanks to her popularity.

Three and a half years later, the honeymoon period seems to be over.

Meloni's defeat in a judicial reform referendum in March marks the end of the myth of her invincibility, and a turning point as her government approaches the end of its term. ...