Europe's far
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a press conference, on the day of a European Union leaders summit in Brussels, Belgium, March 21, 2024. [Photo/Agencies]
Far-right parties from across Europe gathered in Italy on Saturday, pledging to limit immigration to the continent and reject a potential second term for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The parties convened in Rome, energized by polls indicating nationalist and far-right movements are poised to make significant progress in European Parliament elections in June.
Despite a shared stance on tightening immigration policies, some divisions emerged within Europe's far-right coalition, reported Reuters news agency.
The gathering of the Identity and Democracy grouping featured representatives from Italy's League, France's Rassemblement National, or RN, Austria's Freedom Party, or FPO, Portugal's Chega, and Belgium's Vlaams Belang.
"A country that does not defend its borders, a European Union ...that does not defend its borders commits murder against its people," said Italy's League leader Matteo Salvini.
Salvini is deputy prime minister in Italy's government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, but she has been excluded from the ID group.
Despite being the sixth-largest group in the EU assembly, ID is projected to climb to fourth place, according to recent polls. Meloni's Brothers of Italy party is affiliated with the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, or ECR.
While ECR stands firmly in support of Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, positions on the issue within the ID group remain ambiguous.
Salvini, once an outspoken admirer of Russia's President Vladimir Putin, criticized "warmongers "such as France's President Emmanuel Macron, blaming them for the challenges Europe faces, especially after France initiated discussions on European countries sending troops to Ukraine.
Addressing the rally through a video link, French far-right leader Marine Le Pen suggested Meloni might endorse Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as EU Commission president.
"Giorgia... will you support a second von der Leyen term or not? I believe so. And so you will contribute to worsening the policies that the people of Europe are suffering from so much," she said.
Last December, ID held a comparable meeting in Florence, Italy, but on this occasion, one of its significant members, the Alternative for Germany party, which is facing racism allegations at home, was excluded.
Several senior League figures, including the governors of wealthy regions of northern Italy, did not attend the gathering in the capital city, said Reuters.
It said their absence emphasizes discontent within the party, which is now polling below 9 percent after reaching a record 34 percent in the 2019 European Union elections.
Related articles
Devout Christian doctor, 68, who punched dementia
An 'arrogant' doctor who punched a vulnerable patient for making a racist comment and spitting at hi2024-05-21Most drivers will pay $15 to enter busiest part of Manhattan starting June 30
NEW YORK (AP) — The start date for the $15 toll most drivers will be charged to enter Manhattan’s ce2024-05-21Flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
BOSTON (AP) — An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he2024-05-21Heartbreaking moment loyal dog desperately chases its owners' car after it was dumped on road
A devastated onlooker captured the moment a dog owner abandoned their pet in Long Beach, California,2024-05-21Burglar hurled stolen mobile phones at police from the top of 60ft high roof during nine
A burglar hurled stolen mobile phones at police officers from the top of a roof during a nine-hour s2024-05-21Here are 14 players to watch next season across the Southeastern Conference
The Southeastern Conference has reloaded from the high school ranks and the transfer portal. Here’s2024-05-21
atest comment