Italy: Far-right ahead of possible historic victory

Italy’s far-right is hoping for a historic victory on Saturday ahead of crucial legislative elections. They could make Georgia Meloni the first leader of a post-fascist party to lead the government of a founding country of the European Community. Leaders of the major political parties threw their final forces on Friday for the final election meetings of the campaign. Political silence is observed on all candidates from midnight till the end of polling on Sunday.

In Naples, Giorgia Meloni, leader of the Fratelli d’Italia (FdI) gave almost 25% of the voting intention, “I am a patriot!” But above all his ally Matteo Salvini, League (anti-immigration) leader, occupied the media space demanding an “apology or resignation” of Ursula van der Leyen. He criticized the head of the European Commission for branding the US on Thursday a threat of sanctions if Italy attacks the EU’s democratic principles.

Polls were banned in the two weeks before the election, with recent polls putting the FdI at 24 to 25% of voting intentions, compared to the Democratic Party (PD, centre-left) at 21 to 22%. This is followed by 5 Star Movement (former resistance organization) 13 to 15%, League 12%, FI 8%. A right/extreme right coalition could win 45% to 55% of the seats in parliament. Analysts say abstention in this election could exceed 30%, Italy’s highest figure.

Brussels is following the election closely, particularly over sanctions against Moscow and potential tensions between the commission and the ultra-conservative and authoritarian government. Rome has traditionally maintained cordial relations with Moscow since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine led by Mario Draghi, aligned with NATO.

Silvio Berlusconi is the third conservative coalition partner with Forza Italia raised controversy On Thursday evening Vladimir Putin announced that he had been “pushed” by his people to invade Ukraine. Faced with outcry over his last words, he reaffirmed his “absolute loyalty” to NATO and the European Union on Friday. Matteo Salvini is pushing for the easing of sanctions against Moscow, which he considers ineffective and counterproductive while he considers the invasion of Ukraine “unjustifiable.”

Georgia Meloni, on the other hand, has taken clear stances in favor of Ukraine, with sanctions against Russia and arms shipments to Kyiv. The Italian press echoed these concerns on Saturday. “Zelensky to Italians: “Don’t vote for Putin’s friends”, wrote the front page of the left-wing daily “La Repubblica”. “The final challenge to Europe and Putin”, headlined the main Italian daily “Corriere della Sera”.