The far-right party of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Brothers of Italy, emerged victorious in the European elections, securing a robust 28.8% of the votes according to near-final results from the Ministry of the Interior. This significant win underscores Meloni's political strength within Italy and strengthens her position within the European Union. Her party's vote share rose from 26% in the last national elections, marking a notable increase.
Meloni expressed her gratitude on social media, celebrating Brothers of Italy's status as the leading party in the country. Major newspapers in Italy highlighted this victory, with Il Messaggero proclaiming 'Meloni strongest in Europe' and La Stampa noting the 'Victory of Meloni and Le Pen.' This triumph comes at a crucial time as Italy chairs the G7 meeting in Pullas, showcasing Meloni's leadership on a global stage.
In addition to Meloni's success, the Democratic Party (PD), the main opposition, garnered 24%, followed by the 5 Star Movement at 9.9%. Meloni's coalition partners, Forza Italia and Matteo Salvini's League, received 9.7% and 9.1% of the votes, respectively. However, this marked a decline for the League, which had previously secured 34.26% in the 2019 elections.
Meloni's strategic alliances and political maneuvers have played a vital role in her party's growth. She has garnered support by maintaining a firm stance on fundamental issues like immigration and economic aid, along with avoiding contentious topics. Her policies have fostered consensus and highlighted her as a reliable interlocutor for European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen due to her pro-Ukrainian position.
The European elections showcased divergent results across key nations. Leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz saw diminished support, reflecting broader political shifts. In Germany, the CDU/CSU won the elections with 30%, while the AfD rose to 15.9%, and SPD fell to a record 13.9%. Similarly, in France, the right-wing National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, won 32% of the votes.
The elections also witnessed significant regional performances in Italy, with Giorgia Meloni receiving over 2.3 million votes nationally. Renowned political figures like Stefano Bonaccini and Antonio Decaro from the Democratic Party made impressive gains, strengthening their positions in the European Parliament. Meanwhile, the turnout in Italy settled at 49.69%, indicating a strong voter engagement.
- Meloni's ascent can be attributed directly to her efficient use of nearly €200 billion in European aid and loans. This financial boost has been pivotal in securing her domestic and European political influence, marking her administration as one adept at handling post-pandemic challenges.
- The contrast between Meloni and her coalition partners, notably the League's Matteo Salvini, underscores the shifting political dynamics within far-right parties. Salvini's decline highlights the growing preference for Meloni's more structured and collaborative approach within the European context.
- Despite the dominance of traditional parties like the CDU/CSU in Germany and the emboldening of the AfD, the European Parliament remains largely pro-European and pro-Ukrainian. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged this, emphasizing the enduring influence of mainstream European forces.
- In the context of broader European politics, the electoral gains by far-right parties signify a notable shift but also underscore the lack of a unified far-right bloc. Differences, especially on issues like Russia, remain a barrier to cohesive collaboration among these parties.
