Marine Le Pen and Giorgia Meloni have different perspectives on the topic of immigration, despite both being right-wing leaders. For Meloni, immigration is seen as an external human geographic phenomenon that needs to be controlled for foreign policy opportunities. On the other hand, for the leaders of the National Rally (RN), immigration represents a different concept. It is not just about quantifiable numbers, but also about invoking anxieties and identity issues, stemming from France’s colonial and migratory history. Immigration serves as a binding element for a range of national anxieties in the RN discourse, linking issues such as Islamist terrorism, social unrest in the suburbs, social welfare fraud, and crime to an imaginary migrant figure that targets minority citizens, especially Muslims.
In Giorgia Meloni’s discourse in Italy, this underlying subtext is absent. Immigration is not used to mask discussions about internal issues, which are left to allies in the League and right-wing political factions. Instead, immigration is viewed as an external phenomenon. In Meloni’s speeches, migrants are portrayed as “desperate” victims whose right to not emigrate has been violated due to economic development failures caused by predatory external powers, particularly France. Migrants are also depicted as victims of human trafficking, which Italy aims to combat using its anti-mafia expertise.
Under Meloni’s leadership, Italy’s migration policy has become a diplomatic tool. She has laid the foundation for a discourse promoting renewed cooperation with African states, which was highlighted during the Italy-Africa summit in Rome in January. Meloni emphasizes an approach of “equal partnership” with African states as the basis for migration cooperation, aiming to address issues at the root with countries of origin and transit. This shift in Italy’s approach to migration signals a departure from previous policies and a new emphasis on diplomacy and collaboration with African nations.
By contrast, Marine Le Pen’s RN party’s discourse on immigration in France is rooted in a blend of anxieties and identity concerns. The term “immigration” is used to signify a spectrum of issues, each tied to an imaginary migrant figure who embodies the nation’s fears and uncertainties. This narrative targets minority citizens, particularly Muslims, linking various social and security challenges to an outsider figure. This rhetoric reflects a broader historical context of colonial and migratory influences shaping France’s contemporary society. Le Pen’s discourse frames immigration as a threat to national identity and security, fueling public anxieties and contributing to a polarized political climate.
The divergent approaches to immigration between Meloni and Le Pen highlight the complexities of right-wing ideologies in Europe. While Meloni’s emphasis on external diplomacy and cooperation with African countries seeks to address migration challenges at their source, Le Pen’s focus on internal anxieties and identity issues perpetuates a narrative of fear and division within French society. These contrasting perspectives reveal the diverse ways in which right-wing leaders interpret and address the complex issue of immigration, reflecting broader political and social dynamics in Europe.
