Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is weighing the possibility of calling a general election much earlier than expected, with fresh polls potentially taking place as soon as April next year, according to a new report.
Sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News that Meloni believes waiting until the scheduled end of the current parliament’s term in late 2027 could risk eroding her popularity and political standing.
Meloni mulls early election option
The report said Meloni has already held discussions with the office of President Sergio Mattarella about the prospect of an early election. As Italy’s head of state, Mattarella holds the authority to dissolve parliament and trigger a nationwide vote.
Political pressure on Meloni has intensified in recent months. A failed referendum on judicial reforms in March was followed by the resignation of three members of her government, dealing a setback to her administration.
At the same time, the far-right National Future party has been gaining momentum in opinion polls and has accused Meloni of drifting too close to the political centre.
Despite the challenges, Meloni remains on course to make history. If she stays in office until early September, she will surpass the late Silvio Berlusconi to become the longest-serving prime minister in the history of the Italian Republic.
Trump remarks spark fresh controversy
The speculation surrounding a possible early election has been further fuelled by an unexpected public spat between Meloni and US President Donald Trump.
Trump recently claimed that Meloni repeatedly sought a photo opportunity with him during the Group of Seven summit in France. The Italian prime minister firmly rejected the allegation, calling it entirely fabricated. Trump later escalated the exchange by suggesting he no longer wanted her support.
Posting on social media, Trump wrote that Meloni had repeatedly asked for a picture with him at the G7 summit and questioned her standing among Italian voters.
He further argued that her popularity had declined because she had opposed the United States on issues related to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Meloni quickly hit back, describing Trump’s remarks as a series of unnecessary and unprovoked attacks.
Responding on Instagram, she said her popularity was determined by her ability to defend Italy’s national interests rather than by her relationship with any foreign leader.
“My popularity is not your concern. I suggest you focus on your own,” she wrote.
The dispute has since spilled into the diplomatic arena, with Italy’s foreign minister cancelling a planned visit to the United States. Several members of Meloni’s government have also publicly rallied behind her as tensions continue to rise.
