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
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WRITING BUDDHA
