Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is considering the option of calling a national election as early as April, according to people familiar with the matter, who say the move would come several months ahead of the legal deadline at the end of 2027.
Those sources indicate Meloni is concerned that postponing the vote could allow her approval rating to weaken further. Officials also note that holding an election late in 2027 would leave limited time for a newly formed government to complete the necessary approval of the annual budget, which must be passed by the end of that year.
Reports say Meloni has discussed the possibility of an early election with the office of President Sergio Mattarella. Under the Italian constitution, the president holds the authority to dissolve parliament and call new elections - a procedural step required for any early vote.
Political pressure on the prime minister has increased since March, when she lost a referendum on justice reform. The referendum defeat was followed by the removal of three of her officials. Since that setback, the far-right National Future party has climbed in opinion polls and has publicly criticized Meloni for what it describes as policies that are too centrist.
Separately, Meloni has been involved in a public dispute with U.S. President Donald Trump that intensified after the recent G7 summit. Mr. Trump said Meloni "begged" him for a photograph to bolster her falling popularity. In response, Meloni published a video in which she called the allegations "completely fabricated" and stated that "neither I nor Italy ever beg."
At this stage, those familiar with the discussions framed the decision as weighing political risk against the procedural realities of government finance and parliamentary timing. Any decision to seek an early election would require formal steps involving the president's office.
The situation remains fluid, with the reports indicating that Meloni is treating the April timeline as one of several options under consideration rather than a finalized plan.