ROME (Reuters) – European far-right parties gathered in Italy on Saturday with the goal of limiting immigration to the continent and opposing a potential second term for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The parties converged in Rome with the belief that nationalist and far-right parties are poised to make significant gains in the upcoming European Parliament elections in June.
While there is agreement on the need to toughen immigration regulations, there are visible divisions within Europe’s far-right alliance.
The meeting of the Identity and Democracy (ID) group included representatives from Italy’s League, France’s Rassemblement National (RN), Austria’s Freedom Party (FPO), Portugal’s Chega, and Belgium’s Vlaams Belang.
“A country that fails to protect its borders, as well as a European Union that neglects its borders, is committing harm against its citizens,” stated Italy’s League leader Matteo Salvini.
Salvini, who serves as deputy prime minister in Giorgia Meloni’s government, did not include her in the ID group. The ID group currently holds the sixth position in the EU assembly, but recent polling data suggest it may rise to fourth place. Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party is aligned with the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR).
While the ECR has taken a firm stance in favor of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, there are uncertainties within the ID group.
Salvini, previously an admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for his warmongering and his willingness to send troops to Ukraine. French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, speaking via video link, suggested that Meloni might support von der Leyen for a second term as EU Commission President.
“Giorgia, will you endorse a second term for von der Leyen? I believe you will. By doing so, you will be contributing to the continuation of policies that are causing suffering for the people of Europe,” Le Pen remarked, while acknowledging that Salvini would oppose this.
In a meeting similar to one held in Florence in December, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a key member of the ID group, did not receive an invitation this time, as it has been facing allegations of racism in Germany. Furthermore, some prominent League figures, including the governors of wealthy northern regions, opted not to attend, highlighting internal discontent within the party, which currently polls below 9% after reaching a record high of 34% in the 2019 EU elections.
(Reporting by Angelo Amante and Giulio Piovaccari; editing by Christina Fincher)
