Overview

• Time’s July 24 cover features Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni under the headline Where Giorgia Meloni Is Leading Europe, positioning her as a pivotal figure in continental politics.
• The feature by Massimo Calabresi draws on a July 4 interview at Palazzo Chigi to trace Meloni’s evolution from far-right origins to a moderated, pragmatic nationalist stance.
• Meloni defines her nationalism as a defense of Italy’s culture and identity against a failed globalism while affirming unwavering support for EU integration, NATO membership and Ukraine’s defense.
• The article notes her pragmatic approach on the world stage, earning respect from figures as diverse as Joe Biden, Ursula von der Leyen and J.D. Vance.
• Meloni confronts accusations of fascist sympathies, racism or homophobia by challenging critics directly and drawing on her personal history of resilience.