Rome

The political space in Italy is all set to take a “right” turn as the right-wing firebrand leader Giorgia Meloni is tipped to become the next, and first female, prime minister of the European nation. 

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Meloni's Brothers of Italy party came top in general elections on Sunday (September 25), according to the first exit polls. The party won between 22 per cent and 26 per cent of the vote, according to national broadcaster RAI.

A right-wing coalition with her allies, Matteo Salvini's far-right League and former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia, was expected to win a clear majority in both houses of parliament. 

On July 21, Mario Draghi announced his resignation after a populist party in his coalition government refused to back an economic package for businesses and families. Following his exit, snap elections were called. 

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ALSO READ | Italy's far-right leader Girogia Meloni calls for unity after election win 

Meloni's Brothers of Italy (FdI) party is a descendant of the neo-fascist Italian Social Movement (MSI), which was founded by Giorgio Almirante, a minister during Benito Mussolini's rule. 

The FdI leads an alliance that's set to form a government, making the 45-year-old Meloni Italy's first female prime minister. 

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Last year, Meloni refused to take part in Draghi's "national unity" government, which incidentally proved beneficial for her party. 

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Who is Giorgia Meloni?

Meloni was born in Garbatella—a working-class area of Rome. She was president of the youth wing of the National Alliance, a party that emerged from MSI. She also served as a youth minister in Berlusconi's 2008-2011 government before founding the Brothers of Italy. 

According to local media reports, Meloni has hardline views on mass immigration, is completely against abortion, which she has described as a “defeat”, and opposes same-sex marriage and parenting. 

In June, she travelled to Marbella to deliver a controversial speech at a rally held by her Spanish far-right counterpart, Vox. "Yes to the natural family! No to LGBT lobbies!" she reportedly yelled. 

She has also been speaking of amending Italy's constitution to prioritise Italian law over European law. 

Meloni is known to hold ambitions to create history in Italian politics as the first woman to hold the top job. 

"The will of the people is expressed in one way: by voting," she was quoted as saying. "Let’s give hope and strength back to Italy."

(With inputs from agencies) 

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