Meloni's Coalition Loses Young Voters

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's governing coalition has lost support among young voters, with less than 30% of voters under the age of 35 backing her coalition. This decline in popularity among young voters could be crucial in the 2027 election, which is shaping up as a neck-and-neck race between Meloni's rightist coalition and the centre-left opposition.

Meloni's coalition comprises her Brothers of Italy Party (FDI), Matteo Salvini's League and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani's more moderate Forza Italia. The opposition bloc, on the other hand, is dominated by the Democratic Party (PD), the 5-Star Movement and the Left-Green Alliance (AVS). According to polling agency Youtrend, the opposition bloc now commands almost 50% of voting support among under-35s.

Meloni has adopted a pragmatic approach toward the EU and emerged as one of Ukraine's strongest supporters in its war against Russia. She has also demonstrated a willingness to challenge US President Donald Trump on some issues. This shift in her political stance is reflected in her changing fashion style, which has become more polished and understated. Meloni now frequently wears tailored pastel suits with wide-legged trousers, a departure from her earlier dark suits and chunky black boots.

The youth problem facing Meloni's government is further exacerbated by Italy's low employment rate among 15- to 24-year-olds, which is the lowest in the 21-nation euro zone. Young Italians also present the same gender gap seen in other European countries, with men tending to vote more for the right and women favouring the left. A study by Milan's Bocconi University found that support for Meloni's FDI was at 15% among 18- to 29-year-old men, but just 4.2% among women.

## Why it matters The decline in support for Meloni's coalition among young voters is significant, as it could impact the outcome of the 2027 election. With the election shaping up as a neck-and-neck race, the youth vote could be the deciding factor. Meloni's government will need to address the concerns of young voters, including the low employment rate and lack of opportunities, in order to win back their support.

## What happens next The 2027 election is likely to be a closely contested race, with Meloni's coalition facing off against the centre-left opposition. The outcome will depend on a number of factors, including the ability of Meloni's government to address the concerns of young voters and the effectiveness of the opposition's campaign. As the election approaches, all eyes will be on Italy to see how the youth vote will impact the outcome.