Giorgia Meloni criticizes 'firewall' strategy against right-wing parties

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated that the strategy of building ‘firewalls’ against right-wing parties and movements is ineffective. Speaking to the Italian newspaper Il Foglio, Meloni commented on the recent electoral success of the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.

Meloni, who leads the right-wing Fratelli d'Italia party, argued that political movements in Europe have gained strength by focusing on the defense of identity, the fight against illegal mass immigration, and the perceived threat of the Islamization of Europe. She criticized the establishment for frequently attempting to erect ‘firewalls’ instead of addressing substantive issues. According to Meloni, what actually works is ‘listening to and responding to these concerns.’

While Meloni has previously distanced herself from the AfD and its political views, she currently leads Italy's rightmost government since 1946.