Fearing an election win by a right-wing Italian coalition, EU President Ursula von der Leyen issued a veiled threat to voters before they head to the polls.
“We’ll see if things go in a difficult direction, I’ve spoken about Hungary and Poland, we have tools,” she said on Thursday.
The election is two days away, and the right-wing coalition led by Giorgia Meloni’s ‘Brother’s of Italy’ is expected to win. This shift to the right would be the first time in decades for the country.
Von der Leyen’s threat of having “tools” relate in part to the EU’s ability to withhold funds away from countries that prioritize domestic preferences over the EU’s agenda.
With Poland, the EU recently threatened to withhold funding unless they revamp their judiciary. Tensions between Poland and the EU exist over social and immigration policies.
Two members of the EU scolded von der Leyen for her threats that came just days before the election.
“Italy is a free, sovereign country with a strong democratic tradition. Italian citizens deserve respect and Brussels should just get it,” said Marco Zanni and Marco Campomenosi in a letter.
“The words spoken yesterday by Ursula Von der Leyen are shameful, we do not accept warnings, lessons or veiled threats, however, three days before the vote, yet another interference by someone in the EU who is unable to accept that in Italy, sovereignty belongs to the people.”
“We will present a question to ask for clarity on the matter. Whether it is intentional or a slip, it is in any case serious and unacceptable. The president of the EU Commission must apologise and respect the vote of the Italians.”
A right-wing wave is sweeping over much of Europe as countries are growing tired of the EU’s globalist agenda interfering with their domestic interests.
Last month, Sweden voted in a right-wing bloc which includes a nationalist anti-immigration party.
The Scandinavian country has welcomed refugees for decades. But amid a crime wave linked to immigration, Sweden turned to right-wing parties for solutions, valuing public safety more than political correctness.
