Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban found himself isolated as the lone holdout against a landmark European Union fund for Ukraine, facing mounting pressure on the eve of an emergency EU summit. Seeking a sympathetic ear, he turned to Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who, like him, harbored a history of antagonism toward the EU.
During a private meeting, Mr. Orban expressed grievances about the EU’s treatment of him due to his hard-right politics. Ms. Meloni, also a hard-right leader, empathized with his concerns but advocated for working within the EU framework rather than against it. This approach, she argued, yielded positive outcomes for Italy and obliged the EU to engage with her government.
Ultimately, Mr. Orban acquiesced to the Ukraine deal, marking a significant moment for both Europe and Ms. Meloni. Since assuming office in October 2022, she has strategically positioned herself as a hard-right leader capable of engaging with mainstream European politics. Her ability to navigate complex diplomatic negotiations underscores her growing influence among European leaders.
Despite initial concerns that Ms. Meloni would disrupt EU proceedings, she has surprised many by adopting a pragmatic approach to governance. While maintaining her hard-right stance, she has demonstrated a willingness to collaborate with the EU on crucial issues such as Ukraine, aligning herself with the United States and NATO in the process.
Ms. Meloni’s efforts to engage constructively with the EU have earned her credibility as a leader capable of bridging ideological divides. Her transition from an anti-EU ideologue to a pragmatic pro-EU figure reflects a broader shift in European politics towards the right. As the EU landscape evolves, her role as a mediator between mainstream and hard-right factions may become increasingly indispensable.
Despite her alignment with mainstream EU policies on certain issues, Ms. Meloni remains committed to her vision for Europe, which includes rebalancing powers away from Brussels. She aims to leverage her growing influence in upcoming European elections to advance her agenda, advocating for greater sovereignty for member states while maintaining cooperation on strategic issues.
Ms. Meloni’s approach has resonated with voters back home, where she has consolidated support within her coalition. The demise of key political figures like Silvio Berlusconi and Matteo Salvini has further solidified her position as a leading figure in Italian politics.
While critics argue that Ms. Meloni has yet to implement significant reforms, her pragmatic leadership style has provided stability amidst political uncertainty. Despite her ideological differences with the EU establishment, she has demonstrated a willingness to engage with international markets and collaborate with EU leaders.
Ms. Meloni’s growing influence in Europe has not gone unnoticed by other right-wing leaders, who view her as a model for navigating mainstream politics while maintaining hard-right principles. Her success in balancing sovereignty with cooperation serves as a blueprint for other European leaders seeking to assert their influence on the global stage.
Looking ahead, Ms. Meloni is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Europe. With upcoming elections for Commission president on the horizon, her support for EU leadership could further enhance her leverage and solidify Italy’s position within the EU hierarchy.
Giorgia Meloni’s emergence as a key player in European politics highlights the evolving dynamics of the continent’s political landscape. As she continues to navigate the complexities of EU governance, her pragmatic leadership style and commitment to sovereignty position her as a formidable force in shaping Europe’s future.
