‘Too early’ to discuss von der Leyen’s second term, says Meloni

5 months ago 20

The results of the European Parliament elections suggest a swing towards the center-right, but it is too early to determine if there will be a second term for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Monday (10 June) morning.

“It’s too soon to give an answer,” regarding a potential second term for Ursula von der Leyen or alliances in the European Parliament, Meloni explained.

Commentating on her victory in the Italian elections she said, “We are still gathering data and need to understand what possible majorities could emerge.”

“There is a part of the majority that supported von der Leyen which remains strong, but parties that were not part of this majority are also growing, so we will have to assess the situation in the coming hours.”

Before the elections, there was much speculation about her position as a potential kingmaker in the next European majority, as she was approached by both Ursula von der Leyen and Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s National Rally.

“In any case, however it goes, there are two key points. The first is that the policies and, more broadly, the response of the citizens, demand that Europe look much more towards the center-right,” she said.

“The second point is that, regardless of the outcome, Italy will play a fundamental role,” Meloni added.

The results in the European Elections for her party, Brothers of Italy, showed a slight increase in support compared to the 2022 national elections. Reflecting she had consolidated her government’s power.

Unlike leaders of other EU countries who suffered bad results in the EU elections such as Emmanuel Macron of France who called snap elections, and Olaf Scholz in Germany, where his coalition performed poorly.

[Edited by Charles Szumski/Rajnish Singh]