Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after she created a record by becoming Italy’s longest continuously serving prime minister in the postwar period. Modi described the achievement as a reflection of the trust and confidence placed in Meloni by the Italian people.
Meloni, who has been prime minister since October 2022, crossed the previous postwar record held by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, whose second government lasted 1,412 consecutive days. Her government has now become Italy’s longest-lasting administration since the Second World War.
Modi praises Meloni and India-Italy ties
Taking to X, Modi referred to Meloni as his “friend” and congratulated her on the historic milestone. He said her achievement reflected the confidence of Italian citizens in her leadership.
Modi also highlighted Meloni’s contribution to strengthening the India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership. He said he looked forward to continuing close cooperation between the two countries and wished her continued success in the years ahead.
Meloni subsequently thanked Modi for his message and friendship, saying that India-Italy relations were stronger than ever. She also expressed confidence in further expanding cooperation between the two countries.
Meloni credits Italian voters for her government’s stability
Responding to the milestone, Meloni credited Italian voters who gave her coalition its mandate in the 2022 election. She said the trust placed in her government had never been treated as a “blank check” and that her administration had worked to strengthen employment, support families and businesses, improve public finances and enhance Italy’s international standing.
The record comes ahead of Italy’s next general election, expected in 2027, with Meloni seeking to maintain the political momentum built during her tenure.
Cockroach Janta Party brings up Swatantra Bhardwaj
While Modi’s congratulatory message was welcomed as a reflection of India-Italy diplomatic ties, it also attracted criticism on social media.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) responded by drawing attention to the controversy surrounding Swatantra Bhardwaj, a self-described social media influencer. CJP shared a video in which Bhardwaj allegedly spoke about assaulting the father of a protester during a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The group called for action against him.
According to The Indian Express, CJP representatives had also approached the Parliament Street Police Station in Delhi seeking Bhardwaj’s arrest. The newspaper reported that an FIR had been registered earlier and that additional provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were subsequently added.
The controversy has consequently become part of a wider political debate over law enforcement, alleged political protection and the government’s response to domestic issues.
A diplomatic message meets domestic political criticism
Modi’s message to Meloni ultimately highlighted two contrasting aspects of the political conversation. Internationally, the Prime Minister used Meloni’s milestone to underline the growing India-Italy relationship and the importance of political stability.
Domestically, however, critics used the occasion to question the government over unresolved controversies in India, including the allegations involving Bhardwaj.
Meloni’s record itself marks a significant moment in Italy’s notoriously unstable political history. Whether her government can translate its longevity into lasting economic and institutional reforms will remain a key question as Italy moves towards the 2027 elections.
