Meloni Loses Ground Among Young Italian Voters Ahead of 2027 Election

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is losing support among young voters, potentially creating a major challenge for her right-wing coalition ahead of Italy’s 2027 national election.

Polling by Youtrend shows Meloni’s governing alliance — Brothers of Italy (FDI), Matteo Salvini’s League and Forza Italia — has less than 30% support among voters under 35. By comparison, nearly 50% back the centre-left opposition bloc led by the Democratic Party, 5-Star Movement and Left-Green Alliance.

Political analysts point to limited economic reforms and weak opportunities for young Italians as key factors behind the decline. Italy has the euro zone’s lowest employment rate among 15- to 24-year-olds, while education investment remains among the bloc’s lowest. Bank of Italy data also indicates that young graduates in Germany earn around 80% more than their Italian counterparts, contributing to the continued departure of young Italians seeking better opportunities abroad.

The government’s approval rating among under-35s stands at 25%, compared with 35% across the overall population, according to Youtrend.

Meloni’s law-and-order policies have also generated opposition among younger Italians. Her government has tightened rules covering rave parties, street protests, cannabis products, squatters and juvenile crime. Thousands of students participated in the “No Meloni Day” protests last November, criticizing security measures, education spending cuts and the government’s position on Gaza.

A proposed reform would also make 14- to 17-year-olds fully criminally responsible unless evidence demonstrates otherwise. Earlier measures have already contributed to a 50% increase in Italy’s juvenile prison population, according to prisoners’ rights organization Antigone.

The political importance of young voters became clear during a March referendum on Meloni-backed judicial reforms. Turnout among under-35s reached 67%, exceeding the nationwide rate of 59%, while 60% of younger participants rejected the proposal.

With polls suggesting a close 2027 Italian election between the right and centre-left, stronger youth turnout could become a decisive factor in determining whether Meloni’s coalition remains in power.