Antonio Tajani, the Italian Foreign Minister, has assumed the leadership of Forza Italia, the conservative party established 29 years ago by the late media magnate Silvio Berlusconi. Tajani, aged 69, was unanimously chosen by Forza Italia’s national council, embarking on the challenging task of rejuvenating a party whose public support had been waning even prior to Berlusconi’s passing last month.
Having spent a significant portion of his career outside of Italy, including serving as a European Commissioner in Brussels and as President of the European Parliament, Tajani lacks the charisma of his predecessor and does not rank among Italy’s most popular politicians. Addressing Forza Italia’s national, European, and local representatives in Rome, he acknowledged the formidable inheritance before him: “It is an almost impossible legacy to shoulder. Leading a political movement that had Silvio Berlusconi at its helm for nearly three decades is no easy feat.” Speaking from a stage adorned with a large image of Berlusconi, Tajani expressed humility and determination.
As the junior partner within Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government, Forza Italia trails behind the premier’s own Brothers of Italy and Matteo Salvini’s League. Tajani, who has served as foreign minister since October of the previous year, stated, “We aspire to be the center of the center-right. We differ from our allies and have no intention of compromising our identity.”
Recent polls indicate Forza Italia’s support at approximately 7%, with the League at around 10% and the Brothers of Italy close to 30%. Tajani’s political journey began in the 1980s with a small monarchist movement before he joined Forza Italia upon its establishment in 1994, subsequently becoming Berlusconi’s spokesperson during his initial government that same year.
