Over the last decade, there has been a global uprising in conservative sentiment, especially among working-class voters. This was the spirit that animated President Donald Trump's surprise victory in 2016 and also led to 'Brexit'.

However, we are seeing this play out in various European countries as well whether it's outright taking power or outperforming, relative to polling. Recent issues like immigration and the rising cost of electricity have also contributed to strength for right-wingers especially given the focus on liberal politicians for issues like climate change and diversity.

Now, we are seeing the most right-wing government take power in Italy since World War II with the far-right leader, Giorgia Meloni declaring victory in parliamentary elections, and she is on track to become the country's first female prime minister.

In her victory speech, Ms. Meloni said that she would 'govern for everyone' and not betray the public's trust. Her party is projected to win 26% of the vote, while her closest rival, Enrico Letta, had a slightly smaller share. This is a big change from the previous election when her party won just 4% of the vote.

In total, the alliance between Meloni's Party, the Brothers of Italy, former PM Salvini's the League, and Forza Italia, won with around 44% of the vote and will control the Senate and Chamber of Deputies.

An advantage for the right-wing coalition was the inability of opponents on the left and center to pick a common platform and candidates which meant they were competing for votes.

There is a concern all over Europe about what this will mean for Italian politics despite her recent attempts to soften her image and appeal to more centrist voters. This includes expressing support for Ukraine and dialing back her anti-E.U. rhetoric. She also has been outspoken in the past about issues like LGBT policy, gender issues, immigration, etc., that are at odds with the current E.U. consensus.

Turnout for the election was quite low at 63.9%, a 9% decline from 2018. This undermines Meloni's claims of a big mandate after the election.