In a significant political victory, Prime Minister Georgia Meloni’s arch-conservative Brothers of Italy party emerged as the dominant force in the European parliamentary elections over the weekend. This triumph has not only solidified her position within Italy but also bolstered her influence on the broader European stage.
With nearly all votes counted, the Brothers of Italy secured an impressive 28.8% of the vote, a remarkable increase from the 6.4% garnered in the 2019 European Union elections. This result also surpassed the 26% achieved in the 2022 national elections, which had initially propelled Meloni to power.
“I am proud that Italy will present itself to the G7, to Europe with the strongest government of all. This is something that has not happened in the past but is happening today. It is a satisfaction and also a great responsibility,” Meloni declared early on Monday from the party’s headquarters.
The opposition centre-left Democratic Party (PD) placed second with 24% of the vote. Meanwhile, the 5-Star Movement, another opposition group, experienced its worst nationwide performance since its inception in 2009, securing only 9.9% of the vote.
The election results highlighted the growing strength of Meloni’s ruling coalition, which spans from the centre-right to the far-right of the political spectrum. The coalition’s support surged to over 47%, up from just under 43% in 2022.
“The results weren’t at all given. It is a resounding achievement and shows that all the parties of the majority have been able to grow together,” Meloni said later in the morning on RTL 102.5 Radio.
The Brothers of Italy’s success in the European parliamentary elections underscores Meloni’s rising influence in both domestic and international politics. Her administration’s strong showing is likely to enhance Italy’s standing within the European Union, providing her with a stronger mandate to pursue her conservative agenda.
In related news, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Italy later this week, following his swearing-in for a record third term on Sunday. This will mark Modi’s first overseas visit in his third term, where he will join global leaders at the Group of Seven (G7) summit. The summit is scheduled to be held in Borgo Egnazia, Fasano, in Italy’s Apulia region from June 13-15. Modi is anticipated to attend the summit on June 14 for a day.
The relationship between Italy and India has recently strengthened, with the two countries elevating their bilateral relations to a “strategic partnership” during Prime Minister Georgia Meloni’s visit to New Delhi in March 2023. Modi’s upcoming visit to Italy is expected to further solidify this partnership and explore new avenues for cooperation between the two nations.
Meloni’s recent electoral success, combined with her strengthened international ties, particularly with India, positions her as a formidable leader on both the domestic and global fronts. As Italy prepares to host the G7 summit, Meloni’s administration is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of European and international politics.
