Ms. Meloni has emerged as a key player in European political dynamics, with some suggesting that she is not just following the agenda but actually setting it. Fareed Zakaria of CNN even compared her influence to that previously held by Angela Merkel. While Italy’s economic policies may not be groundbreaking, Ms. Meloni is making waves in other areas. She has been instrumental in plans to increase border security by outsourcing policing to North African countries, with deals announced in Tunisia and Egypt. This aligns with her broader vision for E.U.-Africa relations, supported by Ursula von der Leyen. Italy is working to prevent migrants from reaching European shores, even as new rules for processing migrants within the continent are being implemented.
Ms. Meloni has also been a vocal opponent of the European Green Deal, criticizing it as “climate fundamentalism” and pushing back against green policies. Despite facing little support in the past, she was able to garner significant backing in February for a vote opposing a nature restoration law that aims to repair damaged ecosystems across Europe. The center-right European People’s Party, which includes the German Christian Democrats, aligned with Ms. Meloni in this effort, signaling potential collaboration in the future. While the legislation ultimately passed, the center-right’s attempts to block a ban on new combustion-engine cars indicate further cooperation may be on the horizon.
As polls indicate a potential shift towards center-to-far-right forces winning 50 percent of seats in the upcoming European Parliament elections, there is talk of ending the traditional grand coalition between Socialists and Christian Democrats. Instead, there is a possibility of a right-wing alliance taking the top jobs. However, challenges exist in forming such an alliance, as center-right leaders specify that they will only align with parties that are pro-E.U., pro-NATO, pro-Ukraine, and pro-rule-of-law. This limits the potential partners from the far-right, but allows for a strong relationship with Ms. Meloni, positioning her as a significant player in shaping the future of European politics.
Overall, Ms. Meloni’s influence extends beyond Italy’s economic policies, as she plays a key role in shaping European dynamics through her stance on border security and the green transition. Her collaboration with center-right parties, particularly in opposing environmental legislation, highlights her ability to rally support and potentially reshape the political landscape. As the center-to-far-right forces look set to gain significant power in the upcoming elections, the possibility of a right-wing alliance taking shape could see Ms. Meloni at the forefront, influencing key decisions in the European Union. This shift in political dynamics could have far-reaching implications for the future direction of European policies and governance.
