Meloni Weighs Early Elections In Italy Amid Fears Over Declining Popularity After Trump Feud
Meloni Weighs Early Elections In Italy Amid Fears Over Declining Popularity After Trump Feud Published By, Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 20:10 IST Meloni is
Meloni Weighs Early Elections In Italy Amid Fears Over Declining Popularity After Trump Feud Published By, Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 20:10 IST Meloni is reportedly concerned that delaying the elections could further weaken her approval rating and political standing at home. Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni speaks during a press conference. (AFP file photo) Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is considering calling early general elections in Italy as soon as April, months ahead of the current parliamentary term that runs until late 2027. Meloni, who leads the right-wing Brothers of Italy party, is reportedly concerned that delaying the elections could further weaken her approval rating and political standing at home, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. The publication, citing people familiar with the discussions, reported that Meloni fears her popularity could erode further if elections are pushed to the end of the parliamentary cycle. An election in late 2027 would also leave limited time for a new government to pass the annual budget, which must be approved by year-end.
According to the report, Meloni has discussed the possibility of early elections with the office of President Sergio Mattarella, who holds the constitutional authority to dissolve parliament and call fresh polls. The potential move comes amid rising political pressure following a setback in March, when a referendum on justice reform backed by her coalition was rejected by voters. The defeat triggered the departure of three government officials and emboldened opposition forces, while the far-right Future party has gained traction in opinion polls and criticised Meloni for drifting towards centrist positions. Spat With Trump Tensions also escalated recently after a public showdown with US President Donald Trump. The spat began when Trump accused Meloni of attempting to boost her domestic popularity through closer ties with Washington. Meloni hit back, telling Trump to focus on his own approval ratings and dismissing his remarks as “unprovoked attacks." The heated exchange came after the US president alleged that the Italian premier had “begged" him for a photo with her at the G7 summit in France last week.
He repeated the claim, even misspelling her name as “Gigiorgia" in a post on his Truth Social platform, where he said she wanted to “be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up’." Meloni responded on Instagram in English, saying: “President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless." “My popularity is none of your concern," she added. “I suggest you focus on yours." Meloni’s government, in power since 2022, currently retains moderate public support, with her party polling ahead of rivals but facing increased scrutiny over economic and political performance. If she remains in office until early September, Meloni would become the longest-serving prime minister in the history of Italy’s republic, surpassing the record held by Silvio Berlusconi. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.
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