The Woman Who Might Lead Italy to the Far Right

Markets and investors were relieved by the victory of Emmanuel Macron over euroskeptic Marine Le Pen in the French presidential elections last month. But they shouldn’t put their guard down. A new threat is rising out of Italy’s relentless political laboratory.

Mario Draghi’s technocratic government has less than a year until the end of its mandate — and “Super Mario” has said he won’t seek another term. Giorgia Meloni, the first woman to lead a political party in macho Italy, is now seen as the force to beat in the post-Draghi era. And if she emerges as Draghi’s successor, it will be a political earthquake for Italy and for Europe.