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Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, who has been currying favor with the European Union’s establishment since becoming Prime Minister, has secured several posts for her European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group in the European Parliament. The Patriots for Europe group spearheaded by Hungary’s Viktor Orban, who has stood up to the EU more resolutely, have been totally sidelined.
The newly formed Patriots are the European Parliament’s third-largest bloc, with 84 Members of the European Parliament (MEP). Orban’s Fidesz party and Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) are the main forces in the grouping. However, they have been excluded from all leadership positions in the European Parliament.
Meanwhile, Meloni’s ECR has gained multiple parliamentary vice presidencies despite having fewer MEPs than the Patriots, seemingly as a reward for submitting to the globalist groupings that hold sway in the EU.
The favor shown to the ECR over the Patriots, despite the Patriots having more seats, has triggered accusations of undemocratic practices.
ABANDONING POPULISM.
After the European Parliament elections, Meloni made it clear that she rejected an alliance with Orban, seemingly a natural ally.
The developments highlight the different paths undertaken by Orban and Meloni. The Hungarian leader, whose country now holds the rotating European Council presidency, is focused on stopping mass migration and trying to bring peace to Europe by visiting Ukraine, Russia, and China in attempts to facilitate negotiations.
Orban has also spoken with former President Donald J. Trump, who has promised to end the Ukraine war if elected President in November.
In retaliation for Orban’s overseas visits and for saying the EU has a “pro-war policy,” EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell stated that upcoming key meetings of foreign and defense ministers would be moved out of Hungary.
Meanwhile, Meloni has sought the approval of the EU establishment, putting more effort into supporting Ukraine than delivering on her election promises to stop slash immigration. In July 2023, she went so far as to parrot the establishment line that “Europe and Italy need immigration.”
