The leader of Fratelli d'Italia, Giorgia Meloni, and Partitio Democratico secretary Enrico Letta went toe to toe on live television in their first in-person debate of the ongoing Italian electoral campaign thus far.
The final leg of the race is in full swing, with Italians set to cast their votes on September 25. Moderator Fontana’s questions encouraged the two leaders to give the electorate a sense of how their respective coalition’s stances differ on a wide range of topics.
Initial questioning focused on both the centre-left and centre-right’s intentions to support Kyiv, particularly considering that minor parties in both camps have opposed the further provision of arms to Ukraine.
Both Letta and Meloni stressed that their parties will continue to support the Ukrainian resistance, and that should either of them be elected, a government at their helm would remain firm on this stance; advocating for sanctions.
“Sanctions against Russia work, so we need to go ahead with them, even though they have a cost for Italian businesses and families, who therefore need to be helped and protected, especially with energy costs,” Letta said.
“FdI's position is always the same”, said Meloni.
“Italy anchored in the West, in the Atlantic alliance, with Europe. Defending Western values. From the beginning, we have had no hesitation in taking the side against Russia, we supported the government, albeit from the opposition.”
Regarding integration and the EU, Meloni argued that her conservative coalition advocates for “subsidiarity”:
“Don’t let Brussels do what Rome can best take care of.”
She pictures an Italy that is unfaltering on the European stage, the protection of its national interests at the fore of decision making.
Conversely, Letta suggested that often European conservatives are combative to the interests of the EU, prioritising their own personal gain.
"We want an Italy that counts in Europe, not one that protests. Like (Mario) Draghi, who went to Kiev with Macron and Scholz: that is the vision” the Pd secretary responded.
