Italy's Far-Right Government Inauguration Sparks Mixed Reactions of Concern and Welcome Across Europe

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] As the far-right conservative coalition in Italy won the early general election, mixed reactions emerged within Europe. Established political circles such as the European Union (EU), Germany, and France expressed concerns, while Hungary and Poland responded with congratulatory messages.

On the 26th (local time), as the conservative coalition's majority victory in Italy was virtually confirmed, French Prime Minister ?lisabeth Borne stated that she would pay attention to whether human rights, including abortion rights, are respected in Italy. In a broadcast interview that day, when asked about the Italian general election results, Prime Minister Borne said, "I will not comment on the democratic choice of the Italians," but added this.

Jos? Manuel ?lvarez, Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, pointed out in a briefing, "Populism has always thrived in uncertain times, but it has always ended in disaster because it offered simple and short-term solutions to very complex problems."

Concerns were also raised in the European Parliament. Katarina Barley, Vice President of the European Parliament and former German Minister of Justice from the Social Democratic Party (SPD), said, "It is worrisome." She criticized in German media, "Meloni is modeling herself after former U.S. President Donald Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orb?n."

On the other hand, far-right parties in Europe cheered. In France, Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), commented, "The Italians have chosen a patriotic and sovereign government." Santiago Abascal, leader of the far-right Spanish party Vox, responded on social media, "I am proud of Meloni. She has shown that free European sovereign states can cooperate for everyone's security and prosperity." Beatrix von Storch, a member of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), also stated on social media, "We cheer together with Italy."

Polish and Hungarian prime ministers, who oppose the European Union's policy line, immediately sent congratulatory messages to Meloni. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki posted "Congratulations" on social media that day, and a close aide to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orb?n said, "We need friends who share a vision for Europe's future and joint action more than ever."