By 
06-06-2024
Innocenti Chiara
Human Rights and Europe Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence
Rome (ITALY) – On June 10th, 2024, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, leader of the Fratelli d’Italia party, secured the majority of votes in the European Parliament elections, consolidating her influence both within the European Union and domestically. According to provisional results provided by Verian, voter turnout stood at 48.3 percent, revealing a concerning trend of abstentionism, particularly among young Italian adults, and reflecting stronger participation from the elderly population.
The arch-conservative Fratelli D’Italia (Brothers of Italy) party received 28.8 percent of the vote, translating into 24 of the 76 seats reserved for Italy in the European Parliament. The Democratic Party, led by Elly Schlein, followed closely with 24.1 percent, securing nearly as much support as Meloni’s group. Two days after the polls closed, disappointment lingers among opposition parties, particularly those expecting broader public consensus. Matteo Salvini of the Lega and former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of the Five Star Movement deplore their parties’ underwhelming results, while Meloni’s victory heralds a potential reshaping of alliances within the Italian Parliament.
Experts argue that this election established Giorgia Meloni as a key power broker in European politics. With two right-wing groups in the European Parliament — the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) and the Identity and Democracy Group (ID)—Meloni could play a pivotal role in influencing decisions. Whether it involves supporting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to secure majorities or aiding Marine Le Pen in consolidating far-right forces, Meloni’s influence is poised to shape the European political landscape.
The implications for human rights are significant, particularly concerning migration, given the stringent policies consistently advocated by the Brothers of Italy. However, the unexpected success of the left-wing Greens and Left Alliance, which surpassed the European Parliament’s entry threshold and secured three MEPs, introduces a counterbalance. This development could prove decisive in addressing the ongoing case of Ilaria Salis, an anti-fascist activist imprisoned in Budapest since February 2023 for alleged involvement in actions against neo-Nazi groups.
Having garnered 176,000 preferences from Italian voters, Salis is set to benefit from parliamentary immunity through her election as an MEP with the Greens and Left Alliance. Her release is expected to mark a turning point in the case, reinforcing the significance of these elections in upholding human rights and democratic values.
Sources and further readings:
(June 12, 2024), Elezioni Europee 2024 – Risultati in tempo reale, The European Union. Retrieved on June 10, 2024, from
https://results.elections.europa.eu/it/italia/.
(June 10, 2024), Chi è Ilaria Salis, dal Carcere in Ungheria alla vittoria alle elezioni europee con Avs. Sky tg24. Retrieved on June 11, 2024, from
https://tg24.sky.it/cronaca/approfondimenti/ilaria-salis-chi-e.
(2024, June 10), L’ennesimo record negativo dell’affluenza al voto. Pagella Politica. Retrieved on June 11, 2024, from:
https://pagellapolitica.it/articoli/record-negativo-affluenza-elezioni-europee-2024.
(2024, June 11), La lista completa dei 25 eletti con Fratelli d’Italia alle Europee 2024. Euronews. Retrieved on June 12, 2024, from:
(2024, June 10), Meloni’s FdI wins almost 29% of votes European elections. ANSA English. Retrieved on June 12, 2024, from:
(2024, June 9), Italia, risultati Europee: Fratelli d’Italia vince con 28,28%, segue Pd, exploit di Avs. Euronews. Retrieved on June 11, 2024, from:
Balmer, C., Amante, A. (2024, June 10), Italy’s PM Meloni comes out on top in EU vote, strengthening her hand. The Reuters. Retrieved on June 12, 2024, from:
Jozwiak, R. (2024, June 10). Despite Shift to Far Right in EU Vote, Von Der Leyen Says Centrists Held Against ‘Extremes’. Radio Free Europe: Radio Liberty. Retrieved on June 12, 2024, from:
https://www.rferl.org/a/far-right-gains-eu-election-leyen-centrists/32986081.html.
Preve, C. (2024, June 10), Italy: PM Meloni established as kingmaker as party secures win in elections. Euronews. Retrieved on June 11, 2024, from:
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