New Delhi: In a historic development, Giorgia Meloni has been elected as the first female Prime Minister of Italy. She was elected on Saturday along with her cabinet. This is also for the first time that a right-wing leader has taken oath for office. She took oath in presence of the Italian President Sergio Mattarella at a ceremony at the Quirinale Palace in Rome.
Meloni comes at Italy’s economic downfall
Meloni has come into office at a time when Italy’s economy is on the verge of falling into recession. She was part of the coalition led by the former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and the anti-immigrant league of Matteo Salvini.
Replaces Mario Draghi
Meloni has replaced a national unity administration run by former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi. He was among the one’s that spearheaded the European Union’s effort to levy sanctions on Russia after it launched a ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine in February this year.
6 women ministers in cabinet
Meloni has briefed her team on Friday concluding several days of tense talks. Five ministries have been given to leaders of The League and Forza Italia. Moreover, nine cabinet posts has been reserved for their party. At the moment there are only 6 women technocrats with an average age of 60.
Here is what Meloni said after her win
Meloni commented on his Facebook page after winning the general election, “The Italians have entrusted us with a relevant responsibility, and it will be our job not to let them down and do our best to restore the country’s dignity and pride.” ” “We will aim to unite and highlight the things that can bring us closer, not those that divide us,” he said.