Against Europe and “migratory submergence”for the “peoples” And “identity” : Matteo Salvini, Italian Deputy Prime Minister, and Marine Le Pen, president of the National Rally (RN) group in the National Assembly, formed a united front during a major meeting, Sunday September 17, in Italy with a view to the 2024 European elections.
“This year commits us to the same fight, our freedoms, our people, our homelands”launched Mme Le Pen, in Pontida, northern Italy, site of Matteo Salvini’s traditional League celebration.
“We no longer want policies imposed on us that we did not choose”she continued, citing in particular “the crazy ban on thermal engines”another hobbyhorse of Mr. Salvini.
“We defend our traditions, our gastronomy, our identities, our landscapes (…). We defend our people in the face of migratory overwhelm”she added, referring to the thousands of migrants who arrived this week on the Italian island of Lampedusa.
Mme Le Pen also spoke to thousands of League supporters about his “declaration of the rights of nations and peoples” supposed to protect “excess of power of supranational organizations or commercial structures”which she presented on Saturday September 16 in France.
The political alliance of Mme Le Pen and Mr. Salvini seem unalterable for ten years and also testify to the solidity of their personal relationship. “Triple happiness (…). The pleasure of meeting Matteo again (…). Long live the Captain! »she said, naming Mr. Salvini by his nickname.
The latter multiplies the outings against the French president, Emmanuel Macron, perceived as the standard bearer of “liberals” It front of “sovereignists” Europeans. “If we have to choose in Europe between [Emmanuel] Macron and Marine Le Pen, I have no doubt, Marine Le Pen forever”said the Italian Deputy Prime Minister.
“Sustainable Alliance”
He assured that Italy will “everything that is democratically permitted” and will use “any means necessary” For “prevent an invasion”.
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If at the national political level, Mme Le Pen is in opposition while Mr. Salvini belongs to the right-wing and far-right government coalition led by Giorgia Meloni, leader of Fratelli d’Italia (FDI), Mme Le Pen and the RN are at the top of the opinion polls while the League and Mr. Salvini peak at 8-9%, far behind FDI. In other words, one seems to need the other more, especially since the RN achieved very high scores in the last two Europeans.
“He wants to show that the League is not an isolated party in Europe and given the popularity of Marine Le Pen he hopes that this will reflect on him”analyzes historian Marc Lazar, professor at Sciences Po, interviewed by Agence France-Presse.
The alliance between the two parties is “one of the most durable”notes the philosopher and journalist Anna Bonalume, specialist in Matteo Salvini. “The balances have changed over the years, but their relationship has never changed. »
The objective of Mme Le Pen and Mr. Salvini is to achieve success in the European elections of June 9, 2024 for which Mr. Salvini tried to reproduce the national alliance at the European level. An offer sharply rejected by its government allies (FDI and Forza Italia, FI).
Antonio Tajani, head of diplomacy and FI (member party European People’s Party), firmly ruled out a rapprochement with the French far right and Alternative for Germany. “Our values are alternative” and Mme The pen “will never be our ally”did he declare.
“Mme Le Pen has the freedom to go wherever she wants and Matteo Salvini has the freedom to invite whoever he wants. in Pontida, quipped Guido Crosetto, minister of defense and close to Mr.me Meloni with whom he co-founded FDI.