2170th BLOG POST
12th
Book of 2026
Political
books often intimidate readers who aren't deeply invested in geopolitics. They
can become heavy with statistics, ideological jargon, or endless policy
discussions. Giorgia's Vision, however, pleasantly surprised me. Written
as a series of conversations between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and
journalist Alessandro Sallusti, the book reads less like a political manifesto
and more like an extended interview where readers are invited into the Prime
Minister's office to understand not just her policies, but also the person
behind them.
One
of the most engaging aspects of the book is its conversational structure.
Alessandro Sallusti does much more than ask questions. He paints the setting
before every discussion—where they are seated, what is happening around them,
and the political climate at that particular moment. These seemingly small
details add context to every conversation, making readers feel like silent
spectators inside Palazzo Chigi rather than outsiders reading another political
autobiography.
I
wouldn't call myself someone who closely follows international politics, yet I
never felt lost while reading this book. The language is accessible, the
conversations flow naturally, and the topics are explained in a way that even
readers with limited knowledge of European politics can appreciate. Instead of
overwhelming readers with technicalities, Meloni explains her thoughts with
clarity, making the book suitable even for those who simply wish to understand
contemporary global affairs.
Throughout
the book, Giorgia Meloni remains remarkably candid about her political ideology
and her vision for Italy. She openly discusses issues such as national
identity, migration, taxation, unemployment, economic sovereignty, pollution,
and the challenges facing modern Europe. Whether one agrees with her positions
or not, there is little doubt that she expresses them with conviction. She also
does not hesitate to name political opponents from the Left while responding to
criticisms or explaining why she disagrees with their viewpoints. That
directness gives the conversations an authenticity often missing from carefully
curated political memoirs.
The
chapters dealing with international relations were among the most insightful.
Meloni explains Italy's support for Ukraine and shares her reasoning behind
standing with a smaller nation against a much stronger military power. Her
reflections on meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and her broader
thoughts on Russia provide readers with an understanding of how today's global
conflicts influence national leadership. Beyond Ukraine, she also offers
glimpses into her relationships with several world leaders and explains the
principles guiding Italy's international alliances.
The
book is equally interesting when it shifts away from politics and explores the
personal cost of leadership. Meloni writes with visible pride about becoming
Italy's first female Prime Minister, yet she never portrays it merely as a
personal achievement. Instead, she repeatedly emphasizes the responsibility
that accompanies such a historic milestone. She reflects on Italy's political
instability—having witnessed multiple governments in a relatively short
span—and explains why she believes long-term governance requires patience
instead of short-term popularity.
Some
of the most relatable sections revolve around her family. She candidly shares
how public office has taken away many ordinary pleasures of life—travelling
freely, spending uninterrupted time with loved ones, or simply living without
constant security. Her affection for her daughter is evident throughout the
book, and it is heartening to see that even while discussing matters of state,
she acknowledges the importance of her daughter's perspective in shaping her
own thinking. These moments humanize a leader who is often seen only through
political headlines.
Towards
the end, the book includes Meloni's first parliamentary speech as Prime
Minister. It is undoubtedly lengthy, but it also serves as the perfect
culmination of everything discussed earlier. The speech encapsulates the very
vision promised in the book's title, bringing together her ideas on identity,
governance, meritocracy, family values, and Italy's future.
That
said, the book isn't without its shortcomings. Since the conversations are centered
entirely around Meloni's perspective, readers receive only one side of many
political debates. While she confidently highlights her achievements and
explains her decisions, the narrative rarely explores moments where she may
have miscalculated or failed. There are no significant instances where she
reflects on decisions she regrets or apologizes for.
Similarly,
apart from her criticism of Russia's actions, she largely avoids controversies
involving other global powers. As a result, readers looking for a balanced,
360-degree political analysis may feel that the book occasionally resembles a
well-articulated defense of her own leadership rather than an objective
political memoir.
Nevertheless,
I believe that isn't necessarily the book's objective. Giorgia's Vision
sets out to explain how Giorgia Meloni sees Italy, Europe, leadership, and the
future of the West—and on that front, it succeeds remarkably well. Whether you
agree with her politics or strongly disagree with them, the book offers an
opportunity to understand the thought process behind one of Europe's most
discussed political figures.
Overall,
Giorgia's Vision is an engaging and accessible political memoir that
combines autobiography, ideology, and contemporary global affairs in a format
that is easy to follow. For readers interested in world politics, leadership,
or simply understanding how modern heads of government think, it is certainly
worth picking up.
My
Rating: 4/5
Thanks!
WRITING BUDDHA
