The meeting of sovereignists in Rome is different from the one in Florence as some European leaders who identify with the Identity and Democracy group are missing. The European family photo is therefore smaller than at the Tuscan meeting, with participants including Matteo Salvini, Giancarlo Giorgetti, Gerolf Annemans, Andrè Ventura of the Portuguese party Chega, and the delegation leader of the Austrian FPO, Harald Vilimsky. Marine Le Pen sent a video message. The event was focused on the founding members of the ID group who established the Europe of Nations and Freedom (ENF) in 2015, along with the new addition Chega. The event was designed to emphasize Salvini’s leadership, as the only Italian political figure who does not support Ursula von der Leyen for another term as President of the European Commission.
Salvini’s allies in Europe criticize Giorgia Meloni for her connection to Ursula von der Leyen. Marine Le Pen directly calls out the Italian Prime Minister, urging her to come clean and criticizing her support for a possible second term for von der Leyen. Andrè Ventura questions why Italians would vote for Meloni in the European elections when they have the option to prevent a second term for Ursula by voting for Salvini’s Lega. Salvini assures that those who choose Lega will not support another term with Ursula or with the left. Salvini also criticizes Emmanuel Macron, calling him a “warmonger” and “dangerous” for Italy and Europe due to his positions on Ukraine. Salvini sends a clear message to Europe by stating that he can distinguish between the aggressor and the victim, rejecting accusations of being pro-Russia.
In his speech, Salvini also comments on the Government, stating that it will last until 2027 and that attempts to divide them will fail. He emphasizes his friendship and alliance with Giorgia Meloni, despite differences in opinion on von der Leyen’s second term. For Identity and Democracy, Europe is a Christian continent and should remain so, aiming to save Europe from the bureaucracy of Brussels. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti criticizes European institutions for suffocating the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and the Italian-Lufthansa dossier. He highlights the struggles faced in building a European giant to compete internationally, due to bureaucratic obstacles. Former Republican US presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy also makes an appearance, criticizing the “culture of fear” in political correctness.
In conclusion, the meeting of sovereignists in Rome was attended by key figures from the Identity and Democracy group, focusing on Salvini’s leadership and opposition to a second term for Ursula von der Leyen. Criticism was directed towards Giorgia Meloni’s support for von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron’s policies on Ukraine. The event highlighted the importance of preserving Europe as a Christian continent and the need to challenge the bureaucracy in Brussels. Despite differences in opinion, Salvini emphasized the unity of the alliance and their common goal of influencing the future European Commission. The exchange of ideas and criticisms among leaders of the sovereignist movement reflected their commitment to reshaping European politics and policies.
