Rome (AP) — Giorgia MeloniThe party, which has neo-fascist roots, came out on top in recent elections on Saturday after being sworn in as Italy’s first far-right prime minister since the end of World War II, as Europe and the United States grapple with common challenges. promised to support the
Meloni, 45, took the oath of office in front of President Sergio Mattarella on Friday. He formally called for the establishment of a government.I am the first woman serve as the premiere.
Her Italian Brothers Party, which she co-founded in 2012, is set to become a coalition government. The right-wing Matteo Salvini League and the conservative Forza Italia, led by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, failed to achieve similar results in the Sept. 25 elections.
Meloni signed a pledge of loyalty to the post-war republic of Italy, countersigned by Mattarella. As head of state, the president serves as guarantor of the Italian Constitution, drafted shortly after the end of World War II and the demise of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.
Twenty-four ministers of the Meloni government also took the oath of office in the opulent rooms of the Quirinale Palace.
She plans to lay out her priorities as she pitches for support in parliament ahead of the vote of confidence required for the new government next week.
Unless a member of Congress, either Berlusconi or Salvini, presumably frustrated at not being able to give their party the ministries they wanted, and rallying in her support, these votes would create a rift in the tripartite coalition. It may indicate that it is in
Meloni’s government will replace that led by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi, who was appointed by Mattarella to head a coalition of national unity in the pandemic in 2021. Meloni has refused to join the coalition, arguing that voters must determine the composition of the government.
During the campaign, Meloni claimed National interests take precedence over Union policy in the event of conflict.
Salvini’s right-wing Alliance party has at times leaned toward euroskepticism. Salvini, an admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has questioned the adequacy of his EU sanctions against Russia for invading Ukraine, arguing they risk damaging Italian businesses. .
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Meloni, saying she was the first woman to hold the office of prime minister.
“I look forward and look forward to constructive cooperation with the new government on the challenges we face together,” said the EU Secretary-General.
“Eager and ready to work with you to strengthen the EU’s resilience to our common challenges,” Meloni tweeted.
One of Meloni’s immediate challenges is to ensure that Italy continues to work closely with other major Western powers to help Ukraine repel Russian aggression.
In the days before she became prime minister, Meloni threw an ultimatum to Berlusconi, who professed sympathy for Putin. Negative comments about the president of Ukraine.
Berlusconi appeared to justify a Russian invasion in February in order to install what he called a “decent” government in a remark to Forza Italia parliamentarians. in the capital of Ukraine.
“Italy’s presence in government will never be a weak point for the West,” she said after making clear that she would demand unwavering support for Ukraine and NATO’s and EU’s positions on Russia’s war. Said. Has solid pro-EU credentials.
Antonio Tajani was previously President of the European Parliament.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a tweet congratulating Mr Meloni, did not mention Mr Berlusconi’s condemnation of him. “I look forward to continuing our fruitful cooperation to ensure peace and prosperity in Ukraine, Italy and the world!” Zelensky wrote.
Meloni replied that Italy “will always stand by the brave people of Ukraine fighting for freedom and just peace.”
US President Joe Biden congratulated Meloni, praising Italy as “an important NATO ally and a close partner as our nations work together to address global challenges.”
“As the leader of the G7, I look forward to advancing our support for Ukraine, holding Russia accountable for its aggression, respecting human rights and democratic values, and building sustainable economic growth,” Biden said. there is,” he said.
In a statement thanking Biden, Meloni said he wanted to work together “for freedom and international security.”
“The United States and Italy are bound by a deep friendship and a transatlantic partnership based on shared values,” she said, referring to NATO.
Meloni is one of the party’s co-founders, as the continued arms supply to Ukraine could lead to upsets in parliament from Russia-sympathetic allies and populist opposition leader Giuseppe Conte. appointed Guido Crosett as Minister of Defense.
Meloni claims himself to be important in combating leftist ideology, but Crosett sounded a more conciliatory note.
“Whoever governs represents the country as a whole, casts off partisan garb and bears shared responsibility,” the new defense minister told reporters.
Political powers in Europe, aspiring for domination on the continent, rejoiced at Meloni’s rise to power.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, referring to Meloni and Salvini, wrote on Twitter:
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also hailed the arrival of Italy’s new government as “an important day for the European right”.
Unusually for a country accustomed to male-dominated politics and power, Meloni’s associates, journalists from Berlusconi’s media empire, attended Saturday’s swearing-in ceremony with the couple’s six-year-old daughter Ginevra.
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Contributed by Giada Zampano from Rome.
