Meloni poised as powerbroker as Italy votes in EU election

Italy made history as the first heavyweight nation to cast votes for the EU’s next parliament, setting the stage for a test of far-right leader Giorgia Meloni’s strength at home and potential influence in the bloc.

The two-day ballot in Italy, the EU’s third-largest economy, could have significant consequences as projections suggest Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party could win with 27 percent of the vote, more than quadrupling its score from 2019. This surge comes amid a broader rise of far-right groups across the EU.

Meloni, casting her vote in Rome under scorching temperatures, emphasized the importance of the EU contest in shaping the next five years. The outcome could position her as a key player in determining the fate of EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen’s potential second term.

While Meloni has been courted by both von der Leyen and French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, concerns remain about overestimating her influence. One European diplomat cautioned against labeling her as a kingmaker, highlighting that Meloni’s impact may be limited to Italian interests within the EU.

The EU-wide issue of immigration continues to drive support for far-right parties, with tens of thousands rallying in Germany against the anti-immigration AfD party. The bigger question remains whether von der Leyen’s European People’s Party will align with far-right groups, with a focus on pro-EU stances and independence from Russian influence.

As Italy and Slovakia, also voting on the same day, navigate their political landscapes, the EU awaits the final results to determine the future direction of the bloc. With alliances and ideologies at play, the outcome of these elections could shape the EU’s trajectory for the next five years.