Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s arch-conservative Brothers of Italy group emerged as the leading party with the highest number of votes in the European Parliamentary election over the weekend, strengthening her position both domestically and internationally.
The Brothers of Italy group came to power in 2022 with a 26 percent victory, forming a coalition government in Italy.
With nearly all ballots counted, Brothers of Italy secured 28.8% of the vote, more than quadrupling its share from the last European Union election in 2019, and surpassing the 26% it garnered in the 2022 national election, when it ascended to power.
The opposition centre-left Democratic Party finished second with 24% of the vote, while another opposition group, the 5-Star Movement, came in third with 9.9%—its worst national performance since its founding in 2009.
Meloni’s party traces its roots back to a neo-fascist group, and her 2022 victory set the stage for far-right gains across Europe, including in the latest EU election, which has seen the continent shift rightward. However, Meloni has softened her image on the international stage, abandoning her previous anti-EU stance and positioning herself as a mediator between the mainstream centre-right and her own national conservative faction, which was previously marginalized.
Why It Matters
Meloni’s success in the European Parliamentary elections underscores the rising influence of right-wing and nationalist parties across Europe, reflecting broader political trends that favor conservative and nationalist policies. This shift could impact the EU’s future policies on issues such as immigration, economic regulation, and international relations, potentially leading to a more fragmented and polarized European political landscape.
What they are saying
Speaking early on Monday from the party’s headquarters, Meloni said: “I am proud that Italy will present itself to the G7, to Europe, with the strongest government of all. This is something that has not happened in the past but is happening today; it is a satisfaction and also a great responsibility.”
Later, she stated on the radio: “The results were not guaranteed at all. It is a resounding achievement and shows that all the parties of the majority have been able to grow together.”
“It’s an incentive for the government to move forward. Italians are giving us a loud and clear message to continue our work … and, if possible, with greater determination.”
Analysts have noted that the EU election indicated that Meloni’s ruling coalition, composed of parties spanning from the centre-right to the far right of the political spectrum, saw its support rise to more than 47%, up from just under 43% in 2022.
Bottom Line
Giorgia Meloni’s significant victory in the European Parliamentary elections highlights a continuing rightward shift in European politics. This triumph not only solidifies her leadership in Italy but also signals potential changes in the broader EU political environment, likely influencing key policy decisions and the future direction of the European Union.
