ROME: Italy’s far-right leader Giorgia Meloni has secured a decisive victory in the European elections, according to near-final results on Monday, positioning her as one of the few EU leaders to emerge stronger following the polls.
Meloni, head of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, hailed the resounding success as a testament to her leadership, despite a historically low voter turnout of 49.69 percent. With over 99 percent of votes tallied, Meloni’s party garnered 28.81 percent of the vote, surpassing its performance in the September 2022 national elections.
Asserting her political influence, Meloni characterized Italy’s electoral outcome as a departure from the trend witnessed elsewhere in Europe, where governing parties suffered setbacks. She attributed her party’s success to its unwavering stance and commitment to national interests.
The victory marks a remarkable turnaround for Meloni, whose party secured just six percent of the vote in the 2019 European elections. Meloni had framed the recent elections as a referendum on her leadership, urging voters to endorse her vision by writing “Giorgia” on their ballots.
Addressing reporters, Meloni expressed pride in Italy’s representation on the global stage, particularly ahead of the upcoming G7 summit hosted in Puglia. She emphasized the significance of presenting a united front and asserted Italy’s status as a formidable presence in European and international affairs.
The electoral triumph signals Meloni’s heightened influence in Brussels, prompting speculation about her future role and alliances within the European Parliament. Analysts have noted Meloni’s potential as a key political player.
However, tensions continued between Meloni and other far-right leaders, notably Marine Le Pen of France’s National Rally, due to ideological differences and conflicting political interests.
Since assuming office, Meloni has pursued an agenda focused on restoring Italy’s national pride, safeguarding traditional values, and addressing socio-economic challenges.
While Meloni’s coalition partner, Matteo Salvini’s far-right League party, witnessed a decline in support, Meloni’s success underscores her ascendancy within Italy’s right-wing political landscape. The electoral outcome also reflects shifting dynamics within Italy’s political spectrum.
