A chorus of reaction from the main European institutions. The European Union, initially very circumspect about the rise to power of the extreme right in Italy, said it was ready to “cooperate” with the government of Giorgia Meloni, who was sworn in on Saturday, October 22, and is due to take office on Sunday.
“Congratulations to Giorgia Meloni on her appointment as Prime Minister, the first woman to hold this postEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Twitter. I am counting on constructive cooperation with the new government, in the face of the challenges that we must face together.”.
Congratulations to @GiorgiaMeloni on her appointment as Italian Prime Minister, the first woman to hold the post.
I count on and look forward to constructive cooperation with the new government on the challenges we face together.
—Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 22, 2022
“Let’s work together for the good of Italy and the EU”continued the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. “Europe needs Italy. Together we will overcome all difficulties”said European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in a tweet in Italian.
Congratulations to @GiorgiaMeloni as you take office as Italy’s first female Prime Minister.
Let’s work together for the benefit of Italy and the EU
La aspetto al Consiglio Europeo per lavorare insieme per il bene dell’Unione Europea #EUCO
—Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) October 22, 2022
Congratulations @GiorgiaMelonithe prima donna Premier in Italia.
The Europa sta affrontando enormi sfide. Aiutiamo i nostri cittadini e sosteniamo l’Ucraina rimanendo uniti e determinati.
The Europa ha bisogno dell’Italia. Insieme supereremo ogni difficoltà.
Buon lavoro!
— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) October 22, 2022
These reactions contrasted with the silence of the major European capitals, Berlin, Paris and Madrid. The very conservative Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a pet peeve of Brussels, was one of the only European leaders to congratulate Giorgia Meloni, hailing “a great day for the European right”.
The composition of the new Italian government reflects the desire to reassure Rome’s partners. Former President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani, a member of Forza Italia, has been appointed to Foreign Affairs with the title of Deputy Prime Minister. Giancarlo Giorgetti, a representative of the moderate wing of the League, already a minister in the outgoing government of Mario Draghi, has meanwhile been appointed to the Economy.
Giorgia Meloni has with his coalition partners, the populist leader of the Antimigrant League Matteo Salvini and the declining leader of Forza Italia, Silvio Berlusconi, an absolute majority in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.