Italy Votes on New Government, Reevaluating Place in European Order
Summary from the AllSides News Team
In Italy, voters are heading to the polls in an election that outlets are painting as a turning point for the country. After the government of the former prime minister, Mario Draghi, collapsed in July from infighting, a new coalition from the right is predicted to take power in the midst of economic and social turmoil. Reporting on the election has focused heavily on Giorgia Meloni, the leader of the Brothers of Italy party, a right-wing populist group. If elected, Meloni would become the first female prime minister in the country’s history.
The election comes as the people of Italy struggle with the ongoing energy crisis sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The vote is being framed by outlets as a referendum on Italy’s role in the European system, with a potential disenchantment with the European Union giving rise to the Brothers of Italy. The group, which was formed in 2012, is often referenced in connection to its neo-fascist predecessors, a link that Meloni has shied away from.
Reporting on the election has heavily covered the greater implications of a hard right turn in the southern European country and the issues that have led to the shifting tide. BBC News (Center bias) labeled the potential Meloni-led coalition as the “most right-wing government since World War Two,” referencing the regime of the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. Breitbart News (Right bias) cited the economic toll of European sanctions on Russia as a leading factor in Meloni’s growing appeal to Italians.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Right
Italians Vote in Election that May Overturn EU Order
Italians are voting Sunday in an election which could change the face of the European Union, with a right-populist coalition of anti-mass migration, eurosceptic parties tipped to win a parliamentary majority.
Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy (FdI), Matteo Salvini’s League (Lega), and three-time former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italy are tipped by pollsters to come out on top in Sunday’s election, paving the way for the first government in a national conservative vein similar to Poland and Hungary in Western Europe.
All three party leaders are eurosceptics, if not...
From the Left
Italy election: Will far-right prevail for first time since WII?
Italians cast their ballots in a national election that could bring the country’s most right-wing government to power since World War II.
The electoral campaign kicked off after political infighting led to the collapse of outgoing Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s government in July. Sunday’s election takes place against the background of an energy crisis, widespread voter disillusionment and questions about Italy’s future stance towards the European Union.
“I hope something will change for the better, but I am not very confident,” retiree Marinella Faccioli, 75, told Al Jazeera after casting...
From the Center
Italy votes as far-right Meloni looks for victory
Italians are deciding whether to choose their most right-wing government since World War Two, in an election being followed closely across Europe.
Giorgia Meloni leads the far-right Brothers of Italy party and is aiming to become the country's first female prime minister allied with two other parties on the right.
She has softened her image and resents being linked to Italy's fascist past.
Almost 51 million Italians have the right to vote until 23:00 (21:00 GMT).
By midday, turnout was more than 19%, similar to the last election four years...
AllSides Picks
April 16th, 2024
April 15th, 2024
More News about World from the Left, Center and Right
From the Left
From the Center
From the Right
