Lega (League) leader Matteo Salvini, Forza Italia leader Silvio Berlusconi and Brothers of Italy leader Giorgia Meloni react during the closing electoral campaign rally of the centre-right's coalition in Piazza del Popolo, ahead of the September 25 general election, in Rome, Italy, September 22, 2022. Giorgia Meloni of the Brothers of Italy (Fdi), Matteo Salvini of the League and former premier Silvio Berlusconi of Forza Italia, aged 85, appeared before thousands of supporters in Rome. DAUNTING CHALLENGESIn office, Meloni would face daunting challenges including the threat of recession, inflation and spiking energy costs, on top of Italy's historically high public debt. The League leader has also questioned Meloni's fiscal caution, calling for an extra 30 billion euros ($29.6 billion) in public borrowing to fund measures against the energy crisis. Berlusconi, who rarely appears in public due to frail health, was the first to speak at the rally.

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