Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has shared deeply personal details of her difficult upbringing in a new memoir, revealing she experienced homelessness as a child.
In the book, Meloni recounts how her family struggled financially after her father left when she was just 11 years old. "There were times we didn't have a home," she writes, describing periods when she and her mother lived in precarious situations.
From hardship to high office
The memoir traces Meloni's journey from these humble beginnings to becoming Italy's first female prime minister. She credits her mother's resilience as a major influence, saying "her strength taught me to never give up."
Political analysts suggest these revelations could reshape public perception of the conservative leader, showing a more vulnerable side to the often-combative politician.
Political reactions
The disclosure has sparked mixed reactions across Italy's political spectrum. Supporters praise her honesty and see it as evidence of her understanding of ordinary Italians' struggles. Critics argue the timing appears calculated ahead of upcoming elections.
Meloni insists the memoir isn't political but rather "a personal story I felt ready to share." The book includes never-before-seen family photos and letters from her youth.
