For the first time, the far-right Brothers of Italy party, led by George Melone, becomes the leading political force. The coalition with it also includes the “League” Matteo Salvini and “Forward, Italy” Silvio Berlusconi.
The result is generally predictable. The current elections were held against the backdrop of high inflation, rising unemployment, dissatisfaction of trade unions with the economic course of the authorities, and the population – with the migration policy of the EU. Add here the catastrophic rise in gas and electricity prices (Italy has the highest electricity prices in Europe). By the way, this is a direct consequence of the anti-Russian sanctions imposed by the EU countries.
The results of the parliamentary elections in Italy are a cold shower for the EU. After all, they were won not just by the right, but by the Euroskeptics. In particular, Meloni has often spoken out against what she calls the community of “Brussels bureaucrats and LGBT lobbies”. They sharply criticize the right and the EU policy towards migrants.
But the first question that journalists asked today is: can Italy’s policy regarding the Ukrainian crisis change after the elections and the formation of a new cabinet of ministers? Despite the presence of Berlusconi and Salvini among the leaders of the coalition, who in the past actively developed relations with Russia, Rome, first of all, given Italy’s close integration with the EU and the United States, its dependence on NATO, is hardly ready to sharply contradict them yet. And Meloni has already declared her support for aid to Ukraine.
But we must not forget that more and more Italians are coming out to protest rallies against the supply of weapons to Kyiv, for the lifting of anti-Russian sanctions. If this trend continues to grow, the new Italian government is unlikely to be able to ignore it.
