ROME — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is confronting a growing challenge among younger voters, with recent polling showing her governing coalition struggling to maintain support among Italians under 35. The shift comes less than a year before Italy is expected to hold its next national election and could become an important factor in a closely contested political race.
Since Meloni took office in 2022, her government has emphasized conservative social policies, public security and tougher measures against crime. But many younger Italians remain focused on economic opportunity, education, employment and living standards—areas where dissatisfaction with the government has continued to grow.
Young Voters Shift Away From Meloni’s Coalition
Polling indicates that fewer than 30% of voters below the age of 35 currently support Meloni’s governing alliance, which includes Brothers of Italy, the League and Forza Italia. By comparison, opposition parties led by the Democratic Party, the Five Star Movement and the Left-Green Alliance attract support from close to half of younger voters.
The change marks a significant decline from 2023, when Meloni’s Brothers of Italy enjoyed considerably stronger backing among younger Italians. Analysts say the gap is particularly noticeable among young women, who have increasingly leaned toward left-wing political forces.
Economic frustrations are playing an important role. Young Italians continue to face difficult employment prospects, while concerns over wages, education investment and opportunities to build independent lives remain prominent issues.
Tougher Policies Create Tension With Younger Italians
Meloni’s government has made public order and security central elements of its domestic agenda. Its measures have included restrictions targeting rave parties, tighter controls involving so-called light cannabis, stronger action against street protests and tougher policies toward juvenile crime.
Those policies have generated opposition among sections of Italy’s younger population. Thousands of students joined nationwide demonstrations in November 2025 under the banner of “No Meloni Day,” protesting security measures, education funding and other government policies.
The government has also proposed changes affecting criminal responsibility for minors, adding to concerns among critics who argue that its approach places too much emphasis on punishment rather than prevention and social investment.
Low Youth Turnout Could Still Help Meloni
For years, Meloni’s weaker standing among younger voters was partly hidden by low turnout. Italians under 35 have traditionally been less likely to participate in elections, meaning dissatisfaction has often translated into staying home rather than voting against the government.
That pattern showed signs of changing during a March 2026 referendum on judicial reform backed by Meloni. Young voters participated in significantly greater numbers, and a majority of those under 35 rejected the proposed changes.
The result has increased attention on the potential influence of young voters in the next national election. If participation remains high, their preferences could have a greater impact on the balance between Italy’s governing right-wing coalition and the fragmented opposition.
With the 2027 election approaching, Meloni’s ability to reconnect with younger Italians could become an increasingly important test of her government’s political strength. The challenge is not simply winning back support—it may also require convincing younger voters that her government can improve their economic prospects while addressing the social and political issues they consider most important.
