The Legacy of Silvio Berlusconi: Populism and Political Influence.

Giorgia Meloni, Italy's first female prime minister, owes much of her success to Silvio Berlusconi, who gave her a start in politics and provided the template for her brand of right-wing politics. Despite their similarities, the two have had a tumultuous relationship, with Meloni splitting from Berlusconi's party in 2012 and rising to power without his help in last year's elections. With Berlusconi's death, Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy party may gain more support from former Forza Italia voters, strengthening her position in the coalition government.