ROME — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Wednesday that she plans to remain in office until the end of the parliamentary term, rejecting speculation that she could call an early election before her mandate expires next autumn.
“I would like to stay in office until the end of the legislature,” Meloni told reporters after a cabinet meeting. “I’ve taken some pride in the stability of this government.”
Meloni leads a conservative coalition formed by her Brothers of Italy party, the League and Forza Italia. Her government recently became Italy’s longest-serving administration since the end of World War Two.
The prime minister’s statement came as a new far-right movement led by former general Roberto Vannacci gained support, putting pressure on Meloni’s coalition and fuelling speculation that she might seek an early election before her popularity declines further.
“We intend to continue governing for as long as I have this strong and solid majority,” Meloni said alongside Deputy Prime Ministers Matteo Salvini and Antonio Tajani, the leaders of the League and Forza Italia.
However, tensions within the coalition have grown in recent months. In July, lawmakers in the lower house unexpectedly rejected a government amendment connected to an electoral reform proposal strongly supported by Meloni after members of the ruling alliance voted against it.
The setback raised questions about the prime minister’s ability to maintain firm control over her coalition as the next election draws closer.