[News Figures] Meloni, Italian Prime Minister, Center-Right Rather Than Far-Right? ... Focus on Pro-European Moves

Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy
Photo by EAP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The Italian cabinet led by newly appointed Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to face confidence votes in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate on the 25th and 26th (local time). Since the right-wing coalition led by Prime Minister Meloni secured a majority in both houses in last month's general election on the 25th, the cabinet confidence vote is expected to be a mere formality.

What draws attention is the fact that Prime Minister Meloni has appointed pro-European Union (EU) figures to key cabinet positions. Meloni is the first far-right party prime minister in 100 years since Benito Mussolini, the dictator who led Italy during World War II. This raised concerns that Meloni’s premiership might hinder the EU’s progress and trigger European division. In fact, Meloni previously advocated for Italy’s withdrawal from the EU. The German newsweekly Stern featured Giorgia Meloni (45), leader of Brothers of Italy (FdI) and the likely next prime minister, on its cover just before the Italian general election, calling her "the most dangerous woman in Europe."

However, contrary to expectations, Meloni emphasized European integration during the election campaign. Although this was seen as a strategy to win the election, doubts remained that her far-right nature would emerge after victory. So far, however, Meloni’s pro-EU stance has continued even after the election win.

Prime Minister Meloni has appointed pro-EU figures as the new government’s Minister of Economy and Finance and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Gian Carlo Giorgetti, nominated as Minister of Economy and Finance, previously served as Minister of Economic Development in the cabinet of former Prime Minister Mario Draghi. This clearly indicates that Meloni intends to continue Draghi’s economic policies in the next cabinet.

Antonio Tajani, appointed as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, is a former President of the European Parliament and is regarded as a leading pro-EU politician in Italy. Recently, Tajani attracted attention by taking a stance opposite to that of Silvio Berlusconi, leader of Forza Italia (FI), Tajani’s own party, amid the scandal involving Berlusconi’s leaked recordings. Berlusconi’s recordings contained content defending Russian President Vladimir Putin, but Tajani stated that FI supports Ukraine, calling "Ukrainians heroes who have not succumbed to the horrors of war." As his first official act, Foreign Minister Tajani called the Ukrainian Foreign Minister to clearly affirm that the new government will continue its support for Ukraine.

After the release of Berlusconi’s recordings, Prime Minister Meloni issued a statement drawing a clear line from Berlusconi by affirming that Italy is a definite member of the EU and NATO. Meloni took a firm stance, saying that even if it means failing to form a government, she cannot join a future cabinet if there is disagreement over Italy’s membership in the EU and NATO.

Considering public opinion, some analysts suggest that Meloni has no choice but to pursue European integration as prime minister. The majority of Italian voters support European integration and condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Cooperation with the EU is also necessary to receive financial support from the EU. Italy is set to receive 191.5 billion euros (approximately 264 trillion won) in COVID-19 recovery funds from the EU by 2026. Since former Prime Minister Draghi secured 70 billion euros during his tenure, Meloni must cooperate with the EU to ensure the remaining funds are received smoothly.

However, since the COVID-19 recovery funds are limited to uses such as green transition, digitalization promotion, and infrastructure development, there is concern that conflicts may arise if Meloni demands changes in fund allocation from the EU citing the energy crisis.

While Meloni has adopted a pragmatic approach in economic and foreign policies, she clearly expresses her own stance on traditional Christian and family values.

A representative example is Meloni’s appointment of Eugenia Maria Roccella as Minister of Family, who in the past described abortion as "the dark side of motherhood." Roccella, known as a devout Catholic, was a leading politician opposing same-sex civil union legislation in 2018. Concerns remain that Meloni will implement anti-immigration and anti-refugee policies and discriminate against sexual minorities.

On the 22nd, the Associated Press published a column titled "Is Meloni a far-right firebrand or a moderate?" stating that the world is watching whether Meloni will become a provocative far-right prime minister or a moderate right-wing leader.

Before the parliamentary confidence vote on the 25th, Prime Minister Meloni is scheduled to deliver a speech outlining the new government’s policy plans.