Giorgia Meloni Advocates for Nationalist Unity Amid Rising Far-Right

Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, recently outlined a vision for a new era of nationalist populism across Europe, calling for increased cooperation among right-wing factions. Speaking at an event hosted by the French far-right party Identités-Libertés, led by Marine Le Pen‘s niece, Marion Maréchal, Meloni emphasized the importance of unity between the right and centre-right parties, expressing hope that similar alignments could occur in France.

Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, which has roots in post-war neofascist movements, has experienced significant growth under her leadership. Less than a decade ago, it garnered just 4% of the vote in a general election. Today, it commands 31% in the polls, while its coalition partner, Forza Italia, founded by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, stands at only 8%.

The political landscape in France has shown signs of change as well. Traditionally, a “republican front” has united centre-right and left-wing voters to block Le Pen’s advances. However, as the conservative party Les Républicains (LR) seeks to rejuvenate its influence, the barriers against far-right collaboration appear increasingly fragile. Recently, a motion related to immigration proposed by the far-right was passed in the French parliament, marking a significant breach in the longstanding opposition to Le Pen’s National Rally.

Some senior figures within the LR have begun to soften their rhetoric regarding the threat posed by Le Pen and her protégé, Jordan Bardella. Laurent Wauquiez, former president of LR, has even suggested political cooperation with Sarah Knafo from the far-right Reconquête party, known for its hardline stances against Islam. He and others argue that the real danger to France arises from the left, a narrative heavily promoted by media mogul Vincent Bolloré.

The trend of right-wing parties engaging with far-right elements is not confined to France. In the Netherlands, negotiations to form a new government have seen the centre-right VVD party open to alliances with far-right factions. In eastern Germany, local cooperation between the Christian Democrats and the Alternative für Deutschland has become normalized. A recent vote in the European Parliament further highlighted this shift, with conservative Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) collaborating with far-right parties to dilute climate legislation—a first for such collaboration.

Critics of this trend note that historical attempts to accommodate far-right agendas have often resulted in political losses rather than gains. The experience of moderate Republicans in the United States serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how engagement with fringe elements can lead to diminished electoral viability. Similarly, UK Conservatives are warned that aligning with figures like Nigel Farage could jeopardize their future.

As Europe approaches the 2027 presidential elections, the willingness of traditional conservative parties to embrace far-right politics raises concerns for both the integrity of political discourse and the future of mainstream European governance. The current trajectory suggests a troubling convergence towards extremism that could reshape the political landscape across the continent, leaving many observers concerned about the implications for democracy and social cohesion in Europe.