The upcoming European elections in June are viewed in Italy as a strategic opportunity to redefine the national political landscape based on the European results. Despite the recent national elections in fall 2022, where the right secured a strong majority, the focus remains on the European agenda.
Issues such as the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East have caused divisions within the right-wing coalition in government and the center-left opposition. The agricultural sector’s challenges have also garnered political attention, leading to the resolution of worker protests.
Discussions have centered on possible candidacies of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein to strengthen their respective lists. There have also been talks about forming new alliances or revising existing ones.
Overall, tactical considerations dominate the discourse.
It is worth noting that the parties’ actions have been influenced by a series of regional elections preceding the European elections, creating a perpetual campaign atmosphere. Although Italy is not a federal state, regions carry significant political and institutional weight due to their legislative powers.
Regional elections often impact the national level, serving as a barometer for the government’s approval rating. The recent elections in Sardinia and Abruzzo on February 25th and March 10th respectively, resulted in victories for the center-left and right-wing parties.
Meloni has been culti…
