Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced, following the election results that saw the National Rally party and its allies leading in France's first round, that "the demonization of the far right is no longer effective." She stated, "The continuous attempt to demonize those who do not vote for the left is a trap that fewer people are falling into." Meloni, who came to power in October 2022 and strengthened her position in the European elections with 28% of the votes, added, "We have noticed this in Italy, and we see it more and more in Europe and throughout the West."
She extended her congratulations to the National Rally party and its allies for their results in the first round and praised the Republicans for, "for the first time, also moving towards not participating in the so-called 'republican front'." She continued, "I have always wanted to remove the old barriers in Europe between the alternative forces to the left, and it seems we are heading in that direction in France as well."
Regarding the second round of elections, she affirmed, "We are facing a scenario of significant polarization, and if you ask me whether I prefer the far left at times or the right, of course, I prefer the right."
