Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister, Declares Candidacy for EU Election

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced her candidacy for the upcoming European elections in June, aiming to bolster support for her Brothers of Italy party. Despite her candidacy, Meloni has stated that she will not take up a seat if elected, emphasizing her commitment to her role as prime minister.

The European Parliament vote, scheduled for June 6-9, holds significant importance for Meloni’s rightist coalition, which is only 18 months old. At a party conference in Pescara, Meloni expressed her desire to replicate the success of her party in Italy on a European scale, aiming to unite center-right forces and push the left into opposition.

Although Meloni’s party has roots in Benito Mussolini’s Fascist group and previously called for Italy to leave the euro zone, she has maintained a pro-European stance during her time in office, particularly on foreign policy issues such as Ukraine and the Middle East.

Recent polls show that Meloni’s party is the most popular in Italy, with 27% of support, ahead of the Democratic Party and the 5-Star Movement. Other prominent leaders, including PD leader Elly Schlein and Forza Italia head Antonio Tajani, have also announced their candidacy for the European elections, hoping to attract voters who are swayed by the names of party leaders on the ballot.

If elected, Meloni, Schlein, and Tajani are expected to relinquish their seats to allow runner-up candidates to take their place. The upcoming European elections will serve as a crucial test of strength for Italy’s political landscape and the future direction of the country’s leadership.