The government in Rome has lost control of its public finances – and has little interest in the EU debt rules. There is no longer any reason to sugarcoat Giorgia Meloni’s politics.
The old Giorgia Meloni is back. Just in time for the start of the campaign for the European elections in June, she is smiling from the posters on the side of the road and is looking for votes as a resolute opponent of Europe. The opening event this weekend in Pescara had the bold motto “Italy is changing Europe”. During the Italian election campaign almost two years ago, the right-wing populist threatened: “The fun is now over for Europe.” Once in government office, Meloni moderated her tone and appeared unexpectedly cooperative in Brussels. From then on, the relieved EU partners treated her in a decidedly tolerant manner.