Italy's Meloni Defies Critics in First 100 Days as Prime Minister

Meloni has defied fears of harming democracy and clashing with the EU as Italy's first far-right premier. She has supported Ukraine and NATO despite her coalition partners' past pro-Russia stances.

Meloni has not clashed with the EU on budget issues as feared and was welcomed warmly by Biden in the US, backing away from China's Belt and Road initiative.

However, Meloni has struggled to deliver on promises like blocking migrants. She faces pressure from Salvini trying to outflank her on the right before 2024 elections.

Meloni has criticized judges for blocking parts of her migration decree and faced other setbacks like taxi protests against licensing reform.

While having roots in a neo-fascist party, Meloni has distanced herself from fascism, but some want clearer condemnation of Mussolini's harm to Jews.