Meloni faces steep youth backlash as polls show dwindling support ahead of 2027 vote

Opinion polls released this one outlet's show that fewer than three-tenths of Italians aged 18-34 back Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing coalition, compared with almost half supporting the centre-left bloc. Experts link the disparity to the government’s limited economic action for young people and a string of security decrees that disproportionately affect them, such as tougher rules on minor criminal responsibility and restrictions on sex education.

Italy’s youth unemployment remains the lowest in the euro zone, and many graduates earn significantly less than peers abroad, prompting a brain drain. A recent justice-system referendum highlighted the political weight of young voters, with 67% turnout among under-35s and 60% voting “no.” The emerging far-right party National Future, led by Roberto Vannacci, is also courting younger voters, though its overall support hovers around 7%.