The upcoming European elections could tip the balance between Giorgia Meloni’s mainstream foreign policy and domestic far-right agenda.
In less than two years leading the EU’s third-largest economy, the Italian Premier has emerged as the most powerful far-right-wing leader in Europe.
However, her pro-Ukraine and Israel policies have proven reassuring to centrist allies in America and the rest of Europe – with Italy preparing to host G7 leaders in June.
The European elections between June 6-9 could tip this balancing act.
“I think there are two Melonis, and the Meloni that is getting more attention to the pragmatic, pro-Ukrainian Meloni,” said Wolfango Piccoli of the London based Teneo consultancy.
“There is another Meloni back in Italy where she is pursuing a clear right-wing agenda on a variety of issues from migration to socio-cultural values,” he said, “The European elections could be a bit of a moment of truth. She has never been forced to take a clear ideological stand.”
Despite initially campaigning on an anti-EU platform, Meloni has shifted her stance as Europe pours more than 200 billion euros in pandemic recovery into Italy.
Meloni also has a potential political ally in the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen – who has not ruled out inclusion of Meloni’s part in a coalition if needed.
