The Impact of Matteo Salvini’s League Party Joining Viktor Orbán’s Patriots for Europe

The recent decision by Matteo Salvini’s far-right League party to join Viktor Orbán’s new bloc “Patriots for Europe,” has stirred up speculation about the stability of Italy’s ruling coalition. Salvini’s move has led to the League party becoming the EU Parliament’s third largest, surpassing the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), and Spain’s Vox party leaving the group led by Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Reports in the Italian media suggest tension between Salvini and Meloni, with Meloni now facing a more isolated position. The alliance with a group that holds opposing views on key EU matters like Ukraine and NATO has raised concerns within the Italian government. Meloni’s ambiguous stance on Ursula Von Der Leyen also risks straining her relationship with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, who leads Forza Italia aligned with the European People’s Party (EPP) group in the EU Parliament.

‘New Affiliation as an Opportunity, Not an Obstacle’

Paolo Borchia, Head of Lega at the EU Parliament, has stated that the League party’s affiliation with Patriots for Europe does not pose a risk to the Italian government’s stability. Borchia emphasized that differing opinions among right-wing parties on certain European issues can be enriching rather than an obstacle. Forza Italia also expressed support for the current government and downplayed the impact of Orbán’s new political group.

Addressing divisive issues like the conflict in Ukraine, Borchia highlighted the importance of unity in the government’s EU-related approaches. Despite differences in methods, he emphasized that the coalition partners have found common ground on critical EU matters.

‘Salvini’s Influence on Meloni’

Political analyst Lorenzo Castellani of Luiss University in Rome believes that Salvini lacks the political leverage to significantly challenge Meloni’s leadership or cause a government crisis. Castellani noted that Salvini’s support base may not be strong enough to trigger snap elections or a government shake-up.

With the emergence of Patriots for Europe, Castellani sees Meloni facing a crucial decision on her alignment within the European political landscape. The question remains around Meloni’s support for Von Der Leyen, with Borchia questioning the sudden change in attitude towards the EU president.