Premier Giorgia Meloni has announced
that she will stand as a candidate for her right-wing Brothers
of Italy (FdI) party in June's European elections.
"If you want to tell me that you still believe in me, write
Giorgia on the ballot, because I am, and always will be, one of
you," Meloni told a party event in Pescara on Sunday.
"Power will not change me, the palace (of power) will not
isolate me.
"I am proud to be one of the people".
Meloni has no intention of actually taking up a seat in the
European Parliament, but will forego it and continue to lead the
government and her party in Italy and represent FdI in the
Italian Lower House
The logic is that, by standing, her profile will attract voters.
She has said FdI is aiming to win around 26% of the vote, the
same level it obtained in the 2022 general election that thrust
her to power.
She said her aim was also to force the Left "into opposition in
Europe too".
She joked about Deputy Premier, Transport Minister and League
leader Matteo Salvini's failure to attend Sunday's event, saying
he preferred 'the bridge', the Italian term for taking extra
days off to have a long break that connects a national holiday
to the nearest weekend.
Last Thursday was the Liberation Day national holiday in Italy
and Wednesday is May Day.
Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein blasted Meloni after
the announcement, saying she has "lost touch with reality.
"She gave a one-hour speech without mentioning public health and
the infinite waiting lists that are getting longer because of
her cuts," said the leader of the centre-left opposition group.
"She didn't even mention low salaries, precarious labour
contracts and workplace safety after 1,041 deaths in 2023".
Ex-premier and 5-Star Movement (M5S) leader Giuseppe Conte
described Meloni as "the opposite of king Midas" adding "let's
stop her".
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