As of 06 February 2026, Giorgia Meloni continues to serve as the Prime Minister of Italy (officially the President of the Council of Ministers). Having assumed office in October 2022, Meloni is the first woman to lead the Italian government and currently stands as one of the most prominent conservative voices in the European Union.
Latest Developments: February 2026
Prime Minister Meloni is currently navigating a high-profile diplomatic and cultural week in Milan and Rome:
- Olympic Diplomacy: On Friday, 06 February 2026, Meloni met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Milan. The meeting took place just hours before the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics (Milan-Cortina). Discussions focused on the “strategic relationship” between Italy and the Trump administration, as well as security cooperation.
- The “Angel” Controversy: Meloni recently addressed a bizarre domestic scandal involving a church fresco in Rome. A restorer had reportedly painted an angel with a striking resemblance to the Prime Minister. Following public outcry and a Vatican investigation, the image was painted over this week. Meloni joked about the incident, stating, “I’m no angel.”
- Security Tensions: The Prime Minister is currently managing domestic friction regarding the presence of U.S. ICE agents in Italy for Olympic security, a move that has drawn criticism from opposition leaders like former PM Giuseppe Conte.
Historical Context of the Office
The role of the Italian Prime Minister has evolved significantly since the unification of Italy in 1861. Below are key historical figures who have shaped the office:
| Prime Minister | Significance |
|---|---|
| Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour | The first Prime Minister of a unified Italy (1861). |
| Benito Mussolini | The longest-serving Prime Minister in history (1922–1943), ruling as a dictator. |
| Alcide De Gasperi | The first Prime Minister of the Italian Republic (post-WWII) and a founding father of the EU. |
| Giovanni Giolitti | The longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister in Italian history. |
| Silvio Berlusconi | The longest-serving Prime Minister of the Republic era (post-1946). |
Current Political Standing
As of early 2026, Meloni maintains a relatively stable approval rating compared to many of her European counterparts. According to recent data from December 2025, her approval sits at approximately 41%. While she faces domestic pressure over fiscal policies and the “Plan B” pivot toward Russia-Ukraine diplomacy alongside other EU leaders, she remains the central figure in Italy’s right-wing coalition government.
Data verified as of 06 February 2026. Sources include the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (Governo Italiano), Reuters, and The Associated Press.