EU elections shake up Europe: Meloni, Le Pen gain ground

The Italian press summarized the results of the European Parliament elections. "In France and Germany, there was an 'earthquake' and waving flags of 'sovereignists,' while in Italy, the position of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her government was strengthened," reads the summary.

"La Repubblica," a left-wing newspaper, describes the situation as a "right-wing avalanche" that caused an "earthquake" in France. The National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, won the elections in that country.

Referring to the second place of the far-right Alternative for Germany, the Roman newspaper emphasizes: "The sovereignist banner waves in Paris and Berlin."

"One must hope that citizens, after this alarm signal, will take their history back into their own hands," adds the newspaper's commentator. At the same time, although the right-wing "advances," the alliance of the European People's Party and the socialists retains a majority in the EP and excludes an agreement with the Brothers of Italy party of Prime Minister Meloni.

Although right-wing and far-right forces are growing in strength, the "blue banners of the European People's Party dominate in the EU," which prompted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to declare victory, notes "Corriere della Sera."

"Meloni and Le Pen are winning," declares "La Stampa" on its front page. The newspaper describes the post-election situation in the EU, summarizing that "the trenches of the so-called Ursula majority managed to hold off." It quotes the head of the EC, who declared: "We will be a bastion against extremists from the right and the left."

In a commentary on the victory of the governing party Brothers of Italy, it is emphasized that the cabinet in Rome will now be even stronger.

"Il Messaggero" similarly emphasizes that "Meloni has strengthened." It notes that her party achieved a better result than in the parliamentary elections one and a half years ago.

It also notes the increase in support for the centre-left opposition Democratic Party led by Elly Schlein. This party received about 24 percent of the votes and is second.

The pro-government "Il Giornale" summarises the result in Italy with the headline: "The government received a good rating." It states that Giorgia Meloni is one of the few heads of government who managed to achieve a good result and maintain her position.

A columnist for this newspaper writes about the lesson he believes comes from the Italian elections, even abroad: "there is a democratic and credible right-wing, recognized as capable of governing in such a difficult time as we live."

Newspapers note the record-low turnout in the European elections in Italy: 50 percent. Commentaries point to the phenomenon of "voter flight," especially in the country's south.

The press notes that among those elected as MEPs were, among others: Ilaria Salis, a teacher chosen from the left-wing list, who is under house arrest in Hungary and being tried there as a defendant in an attack on two neo-Nazis in Budapest; and the right-wing League candidate - Army General Roberto Vannacci, who has been sharply criticised for xenophobic and homophobic statements.