Prospect of far-right female premier divides Italian women

Some women worry that Giorgia Meloni, who exalts motherhood, might seek to erode women's rights, including abortion access. For her supporters, what matters is her conservative "God, homeland, and family" platform, not her gender.

A poster of Italy's candidate premier Giorgia Meloni stands on the side of a bus in Rome. If opinion polls prove on the mark, Giorgia Meloni and the far-right Brothers of Italy party she co-founded less than a decade ago will triumph in the September 25 elections for parliament. Picture: Alessandra Tarantino/AP

Italy could be on the verge of electing its first woman premier — a prospect that delights some Italian women, but dismays others.

Should opinion polls prove accurate, Giorgia Meloni and the far-right Brothers of Italy party she co-founded less than a decade ago will triumph in the September 25 election.