Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated on Monday that there is no threat to the stability of Premier Giorgia Meloni’s government despite the different choices made by the coalition parties at the EU level.
Last week, Tajani’s center-right Forza Italia (FI) supported the re-election of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, while Meloni’s right-wing Brothers of Italy (FdI) and Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini’s League voted against it.
When asked if these differences could affect the government, Tajani responded, “Absolutely not. It has always been clear that there are different positions. We belong to different families at the EU level, but this has no impact on the ruling majority or the government’s activities. FI is always at the forefront of implementing the government program without creating any turbulence. We intend to complete the parliamentary term with a centre-right majority. I can reassure all Italians that there will be no problem regarding the majority holding up.”
The League sharply criticised Tajani on Saturday after he suggested the League risked becoming “irrelevant” in Europe following their vote against von der Leyen. Tajani was referring to the fact the right-wing Patriots for Europe group, which the League is part of at the EU level, did not secure any vice-president positions in the European Parliament.
Forza Italia (FI) is aligned with von der Leyen’s centre-right European People’s Party (EPP). Her re-election was also supported by the Socialist S&D group, the liberal Renew Europe group, and the Greens, but not by Meloni’s Conservative ECR group.
In response, League sources stated, “Voting with Schlein to get a position is embarrassing. It’s better to not have any vice-presidents than to be with the Greens and the Left”.
Meloni meets incoming EC President Costa
Premier Giorgia Meloni expressed appreciation on Monday for incoming European Council President Antonio Costa’s commitment to “ensure shared, pragmatic leadership” of the Council during a meeting with him in Rome.
The statement from the PM’s office highlighted that Costa had chosen to begin his tour of European capitals in Rome. He is focusing on the EU’s priorities for the next institutional cycle, addressing major international crises, competitiveness, and migratory flow management. Discussions also covered the working methods of the European Council to enhance its role and effectiveness.
Antonio Costa described his meeting with Meloni as “excellent,” stating the importance of understanding the perspectives and priorities of various EU members. “Since Italy is a founding country of the EU, it is important to know and take note of Premier Meloni’s priorities,” Costa said following their hour-long meeting at Palazzo Chigi.
