Before the EU summit on Monday on the distribution of posts in the EU, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni referred to the shift to the right in the European elections. She hoped that the Europeans had understood the “message” of the voters, Meloni said on Saturday at the end of the G-7 summit in Italy.
“European citizens are demanding more pragmatism, a less ideological approach to the big issues,” said the leader of the right-wing Fratelli d’Italia party, which emerged from the European elections strengthened with over 28 percent.
Meloni, who opposes the EU’s climate policy and calls for a much tougher approach to asylum policy, further emphasized: “I think that politics should respond above all to the suggestions that come from citizens.” Regarding the distribution of posts in the EU, she said that the conservative EPP group with its candidate Ursula von der Leyen has the right to propose candidates as the strongest group in the European Parliament.
At a special summit on Monday evening, Europe’s heads of state and government will discuss a second term for EU Commission President von der Leyen. Three other top posts will also be filled after the European elections. The aim is to achieve a balanced allocation of posts based on party affiliation, regional origin and gender.
However, decisions are not expected until the regular EU summit on June 27 and 28. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expects that there will probably be no decision before the French parliamentary elections on June 30 and July 7.
Observers in Italy expect Meloni to support von der Leyen in the posts. However, the Italian did not provide any specific information on Saturday. “We will also see how the assessment looks in other leadership roles,” she said. It is assumed that Meloni is aiming for an important commissioner post for Italy. “What interests me is that Italy’s role is recognized,” she said. “Then I will give my assessment.”
