In a historic shift, voter turnout for the European elections in Italy has dropped below 50% for the first time. According to the internal ministry data, the turnout was 49.49%, a significant decrease from the 54.5% recorded in 2019. The 2024 European elections in Italy concluded on Sunday, with polling stations closing at 11 p.m., and early results are expected to shape Italy's role in the EU Parliament prominently.
The election, held over two days, saw Italian citizens voting for 76 of the 720 seats available in the European Parliament. Italy, with its significant representation, ranks behind Germany and France in terms of the number of seats. The impact of Italy's right-wing government on the EU Parliament composition is already a matter of debate, particularly in relation to Giorgia Meloni's party, Fratelli d'Italia.
Polling trends projected a strong performance for the ultra-right Fratelli d'Italia, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which garnered around 27 percent of the vote. This placed them ahead of the social-democratic Partito Democratico, led by Elly Schlein, which secured around 21 percent. The results were eagerly awaited as they could potentially align new coalitions within the EU Parliament, affecting decisions at the highest levels, including the election of the Commission President.
Meloni and Schlein are pivotal figures in these elections. Meloni stands as the top candidate for Fratelli d'Italia, while Schlein leads the campaign for Partito Democratico. Other notable candidates include Carlo Calenda for Azione, Roberto Vannacci for Lega, and Antonio Tajani for Forza Italia. The influence of these parties could shift depending on the finalized outcomes, expected to be updated late Sunday night and early Monday morning.
The outcomes of these elections are vital, as Italy's representation will have significant implications on EU policies and legislative processes. The Fratelli d'Italia's potential influence is notable, given their alignment with other conservative and right-wing factions like Poland's PiS party and France's Rassemblement National led by Marine Le Pen. These dynamics are crucial as the EU faces numerous challenges that require concerted efforts from its varied political landscape.
- Germany holds the highest number of seats in the European Parliament with 96, followed by France. The Italian representation, with its 76 seats, continues to play a pivotal role in shaping EU policies.
- There are ongoing discussions regarding the possible alliances and collaborations that may form post-elections, particularly focusing on the positions in crucial EU committees and the presidency of the European Commission.
- In the outgoing EU Parliament, Italian parties represented included Lega, Partido Democratico, Forza Italia, and various independents. Their roles and influence set the stage for the incoming parliamentary make-up.
- The preliminary results from 24 countries will contribute to a first estimate of the new Parliament's composition, providing a wider perspective on the shifting political landscape within the EU.
- The elections have not only national implications but also significantly impact the broader EU framework, highlighting the interconnected nature of governance across member states.
