There has been much analysis of the outcome of the recent
elections in Italy, which brought to power the first extreme right political party
since World War II and the first woman prime minister, Giorgia Meloni. This may
have happened at a time when the world is facing a critical escalation, between
Russia, and the US, EU and NATO, but there has been a growing tendency, in
Italy, toward right-wing politics in recent times. However, Fratelli d’Italia
is hardly on the extreme right when it comes to NATO and EU; Meloni was careful
to highlight her alignment with NATO and harmony with the US policy in the
region.
اضافة اعلان
Yet, the real challenge for her government, and for Italy,
is not in foreign policy, but in the domestic challenge of having to deliver
concrete results to a frustrated citizenry who are fed up with previous
policies and approaches and the economic problems that are seen to be their result.
Meloni’s agenda will be driven by Italy’s interests, and
while an element of populism is likely to be seen in her approach, the real
impact will have to come from a reactivation of Italy’s foreign policy role,
particularly in the Mediterranean, and in particular its policy vis-à-vis
countries that are sources of gas, such as Libya.
It is still early to assess this government, but it might
signal a shift in Italian politics, with, at the top of the political agenda,
focus on Italian interests across the region.
While it is difficult for a new government facing internal
economic difficulties and strategic security issues in Europe to exercise an
active foreign policy, this one might take the opportunity to play a role in
solving problems that affect Italy. It might play a stronger role in Libya,
attempting to find a solution to its problems. The global energy crisis might
make Italy give due consideration to energy security and use diplomacy to find
solutions to its energy problems, based on mutual benefit and the potential to
stabilize the Mediterranean.
Improving Italy’s engagement and capacity to take on a key role in foreign affairs to its benefit offers it the best chance to address some of its domestic issues.
It is important to look at this government from a realistic
perspective, and not be fooled by slogans, particularly because of the
ideological roots of the party in power. There is a real need to reinvent the
role of politics in Italy, and focus on securing the country’s interests.
Meloni herself highlighted this more than once during her campaign, as she did
the need to be judged by actions and not by stories and media narrative.
There are also challenges in the conservative coalition that
has formed to put Meloni in power, with critical differences including Meloni’s
support for Ukraine, while her coalition partners are long-time supporters of
Russian President Vladimir Putin. Given Meloni’s clear electoral support, if
she can solidify that support amongst other conservative voters, the next
election could present an opportunity to form a single party government, which
would completely reshape politics in Italy.
The challenges for Italy are diverse, and the domestic
issues are inextricably linked to the state of global politics. Maintaining
assurances to Brussels and the US is critical for this government. Solving some
of the ongoing crises at Italy’s back door, in Libya, through diplomatic
mediation has traditionally been a strength of Italian foreign policy; Meloni
needs to return to that tradition.
Improving Italy’s engagement and capacity to take on a key
role in foreign affairs to its benefit offers it the best chance to address
some of its domestic issues.
Amer Al-Sabaileh is a Jordanian university professor and
geopolitical expert. He is a leading columnist in national, regional, and
international media, offers consultancies to think tanks and speaks at
international conferences on Middle East politics and developments.
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