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Giorgia Meloni (46) had to postpone the press conference twice at the end of the year. Reason: inflammation of the balance organ in the inner ear. This means that the Italian Prime Minister is far from faltering. When she finally received the journalists in Rome on January 4, 2024, her power was more stable than ever. Even today, 28.6 percent of the electorate supports her politics. According to surveys in the country, one in three Italians would re-elect the little Roman woman and her Fratelli d’Italia.
When it comes to foreign policy, Meloni seems to be outgrowing himself. Since her election victory in September 2022, the right-wing populist has shown her loyalty to the EU. She stands firmly behind NATO and strongly supports arms supplies to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. Meloni rarely cross fires. Giorgia Meloni never mutated into the feared Italian version of a stubborn Viktor Orban (60) from Hungary. It makes right-wing populism socially acceptable.
Instead of polemic and provocation, Meloni relies on discourse. She shows herself to be pragmatic and statesmanlike towards international partners. She no longer raises her sonorous voice for inflammatory slogans, at most to reprimand her own MPs. Your message to the world: You can speak on an equal footing with the Italian right.
Irreconcilable differences with the AfD
There will be European elections next June. Meloni’s ‘Brothers of Italy’ are not aimed at the right-wing extremist Identity and Democracy faction, which is led by the Lega and to which the AfD also belongs. An alliance with the AfD is unthinkable, Meloni explained at the annual press conference, “the differences are irreconcilable, especially when it comes to Russia.” Her cold shoulder is also directed at coalition partner and rival Matteo Salvini (50), head of the League.
The Fratelli d’Italia belong to the group of European Conservatives and Reformists. Giorgia Meloni sits in the chair. German CSU MEP Manfred Weber (51) openly plays with their European far-right party. Instead of the AfD, Giorgia Meloni prefers the French party Rassemblement National. According to the Italian, boss Marine Le Pen (55) has a good chance of becoming the next president of France. Meloni hopes that Le Pen will become more moderate before the 2027 presidential elections, turn away from Russia, adhere to EU rules and perhaps still commit to the transatlantic alliance. And another surprise: Giorgia Meloni would choose Ursula von der Leyen (65) for a second presidency of the European Commission.
Giorgia Meloni takes over the presidency of the G7
In the past, Meloni has used bolder tones, for example by threatening a naval blockade to stop refugee boats. However, as Prime Minister, this is no longer discussed – although in 2023 approximately 153,000 twice as many migrants were stranded on Italian coasts than during the time Mario Draghi (76) was in power. Meloni would prefer to deport the Italian refugees to third countries. For this purpose she had concluded a contract with Albania. The deal is still blocked by an Albanian court.
This year, Italy will chair the G7 summit, which will take place in Puglia. Host Giorgia Meloni then wants to promote economic development in African countries. Purpose and purpose: New prosperity keeps people at home. Moreover, these states could be persuaded to host deportation and relief camps. A solution that EU countries of all political persuasions are now in favor of.
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
