Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her party, Brothers of Italy, are facing a crucial vote today in the European Parliament. Newly elected Brothers of Italy MEP Antonella Sberna is running for the vice-presidency of the European Parliament, a position that has historically been denied to right-wing parties by centrist pro-European groups through the practice of a ‘cordon sanitaire’. This vote will determine if Brothers of Italy will be allowed to participate in power-sharing within the institution.
Giorgia Meloni has criticized her party’s exclusion from top job races in the past, most recently during the appointments of the EU executive and European Council presidents. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated that she will not engage in “structural cooperation” with the right-wing ECR grouping, leaving the door open to ‘unstructured’ cooperation. Meloni is hoping that today’s vote will signal a change in the treatment of her party and pave the way for closer cooperation with EU governance bodies.
The ECR grouping, to which Brothers of Italy belongs, has been attempting to build bridges with the centre-right EPP grouping in order to increase their influence within the European Parliament. This has included informal talks and the swapping of chairmanships of parliamentary committees. ECR has expressed support for Roberta Metsola’s bid to be re-elected as European Parliament president, citing her ability to build bridges and find common ground across political camps.
The outcome of today’s vote on Antonella Sberna’s bid for vice-presidency will provide an answer to the question of whether the cordon sanitaire applies to Brothers of Italy. If successful, it would signify a shift in the treatment of right-wing parties in the European Parliament and allow for increased participation in power-sharing. This vote is seen as a test for the future cooperation between Brothers of Italy and the political families that govern the EU.
Giorgia Meloni and Brothers of Italy have been lobbying for greater inclusion in EU governance bodies, citing a lack of consultation and participation in top job races. The vote today will have implications for the party’s standing and influence within the European Parliament. Meloni has voiced her frustrations over being excluded from key decisions and is hoping for a positive outcome that will allow for greater cooperation and participation in EU affairs.
The ECR grouping’s efforts to establish closer ties with the centre-right EPP grouping have already begun, with informal talks and agreements on committee chairmanships. This signals a willingness to work together and increase conservative influence within the European Parliament. The outcome of today’s vote will shape the future relationship between Brothers of Italy and other political groups in the EU, potentially opening doors for greater collaboration and cooperation moving forward.
