Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party secured the majority of votes and emerged victorious in the European parliamentary elections, capturing 28% of the votes. Projections from state broadcaster RAI, based on nearly 70% of counted votes, indicate a surge in Meloni’s party’s support from the 26% it garnered in the 2022 general elections.
This victory in the European Parliament elections boosts Meloni’s position after nearly two years in power, primarily at the expense of her coalition partners. Matteo Salvini’s hard-right League, once dominant with over 34% in the 2019 EU election, saw a significant decline, receiving only 8.5%. Forza Italia, previously a junior ally, surpassed the League with over 9%.
The main opposition, the centre-left Democratic Party, received 24.5%, while the populist Five Star Movement dropped to 10.5%, a seven-point decline from 2019.
Far-right party campaign
Meloni’s campaign, heavily centred on her personal “brand,” has positioned her as a formidable figure in the EU. Far-right parties across Europe made substantial gains, delivering blows to key leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Celebrating the results, Meloni expressed pride in her government’s strength and called the outcome “extraordinary,” promising to leverage it for future initiatives.
Despite the broad support, Meloni’s conservative government faces significant challenges, particularly managing Italy’s fragile public finances and preparing the 2025 budget. Giovanni Orsina, director of the school of government at LUISS University, noted that Meloni’s government stands out in Europe for maintaining strong public support.
Projections suggest that Meloni’s party will secure 23 to 25 seats in the European Parliament, a substantial increase from the six seats it held after the 2019 elections, marking a significant rise from its previous status as a minor opposition party.
(With AP Inputs)