With the country’s general election just weeks away, will it be far-right domination in Italy?
Mario Draghi, affectionately known as Italy’s ‘Super Mario’, resigned as Prime Minister on July 21 potentially paving the way for far-right domination in Italy.
The decision threw the nation into political turmoil, weakening one of Europe’s biggest players during a critical time.
The outgoing PM’s decision followed his failure to gain the support of his coalition partners in a vote of confidence.
As the former European Central Bank chief, Draghi was selected to lead the government in February 2021.
He was expected to steer the country out of the economic turmoil – made worse by the Covid pandemic.
Now, as campaigning continues for the September general elections, commentators are questioning how the financial powerhouse lost his grip in parliament.
But this is just one part of the story.
Perhaps what’s more intriguing is the rise of Giorgia Meloni, the leader of Brothers of Italy.
A party with neo-fashist origins, Meloni is in pole position to become Italy’s next leader.
“The party promotes respect for sovereignty and national unity, underscores the importance of a fair, sustainable and modern system of taxation, and advocates the necessity of security, rule of law and social cohesion”
As Draghi fell, Meloni expressed her satisfaction.
Her party has gone from 4% of the vote in the 2018 general election to becoming the biggest party in recent opinion polls.
Fed up with traditional government, it seems Italians want change.
But what will this change look like? And should the broader European Union be concerned?
TICKER NEWS’ Holly Stearnes spoke with political commentator, Nataneal Bloch and Director of the EU Centre at RMIT University, Professor Bruce Wilson.
