Two meetings within a few days between the main center-right groups represented in the European Council. In Subiaco, the European Conservatives met, of which Giorgia Meloni is president, meeting held yesterday. In Rome, from the 23rd, some representatives of Identity and Democracy, the “sovereignist” group to which the League adheres, will meet instead. The goal of both is to shift the center of gravity of the European government to the right, interrupting the alliance between the People’s Party and the Socialists. Out with the Socialists and in with a new alliance between the EPP and the right-wing groups. However, the name that divides the right-wing groups is that of Ursula von der Leyen. Giorgia Meloni’s objectives include her reappointment as head of the European Commission. The praise given by the von der Leyen for Italy’s immigration policies, such as the agreement with Albania for a European hotspot in that country and the Africa Plan, has been welcomed by the Italian Prime Minister. However, not everyone is in favor of her reappointment.
Yesterday in Subiaco, the village of San Benedetto, the patron saint of Europe, Minister Francesco Lollobrigida hosted the leaders of the European Conservative party. There are several knots to be untied, such as expanding the group in order to create a new majority for Ursula von der Leyen based on an agreement with the European People’s Party. Efforts are being made to expand membership in the European Conservatives and pressure is being put on Viktor Orban to exit the EPP to join the ECR, although some, like the Polish PiS, do not view this entrance favorably due to the Hungarian President’s soft position towards Putin’s Russia. Another knot to be untied is the possibility of Marine Le Pen’s party joining, who currently belongs to Identity and Democracy. In this case, skepticism comes from Marion Marechal, the niece and leader of Reconquete, the French far-right party. The last knot is related to the confirmation of the President of the European Commission, on which Vox has vetoed.
On the 23rd, the meeting, strongly desired by Matteo Salvini, with the representatives of Identity and Democracy will be held at the Tiburtina’s Studios in Rome. There will be no empty chairs: “We have tens of thousands of political and institutional representatives. We had to close registrations because there is no more space. Over 1,500 people are not able to attend.” The Minister of Economy, Giancarlo Giorgetti, will speak, as well as the rising star of the extreme right in Portugal, André Ventura, leader of the Chega party. Marine Le Pen has recorded a video message “which we have seen and is very impactful.” But it will not be a “black internationale” as some say: “There will be 1,500 peaceful, calm, smiling, determined people.” There is an announcement that a delegation from the Republican Party USA will also be present at the event. Salvini takes the opportunity to reiterate his support for Donald Trump, stating that “the US elections in November will be fundamental for the balance and future development. I sincerely hope that the Republicans win.” The leader of the League reiterates that the goal is to reach double-digit numbers in the European elections to be decisive in the European Parliament, having the majority without socialists, something that has never happened in history. However, voting for Ursula von der Leyen, who has caused many problems, would be unthinkable.
Finally, Forza Italia and the European People’s Party. At the moment, there are no planned meetings in Italy, with Antonio Tajani rejecting agreements with right-wing forces such as AfD and Le Pen to say goodbye to the EPP-Socialist majority leading Europe and supporting Ursula von der Leyen. Legitimate party interests are also at play. In the current majority, Forza Italia is the largest Italian party within the EPP, allowing it to hold the position of President of the European Parliament in the past. In Europe, roles and assignments are chosen based on membership in the majority and in balance with the representation of the member countries. In a majority of EPP Conservatives, things could change. At that point, the main Italian shareholder would be Fratelli d’Italia and, consequently, the weight of Forza Italia in European forums would decrease.
