On the eve of June’s European elections, speculation is intensifying about which Italian politicians might be heading to Brussels and for which role. In particular, the names of Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, a member of Fratelli d’Italia (ECR) and brother-in-law of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and former Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Euractiv reports.
Local media in Rome published information according to which the Fratelli d’Italia leadership offered Lollobrigida a role in Brussels.
Meloni would like to give him the post of agriculture commissioner, but apparently Lollobrigida is resisting, fearing that Brussels could eventually remove him from power and the EU leadership could “let him down”.
Draghi is another high-ranking Italian who knows his way around Europe and who could be a contender for the presidency of the European Council or the European Commission. Forza Italia (EPP) leader Antonio Tajani said:
“I do not exclude anything because there are so many names. We have to see if there will be an agreement on this […] it’s not a country that decides.”
He added that he believed the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) would push forward EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s candidacy. Antonio Tajani noted:
“Draghi can do anything, but it seems premature to point at him and put him at odds with others […] Knowing Draghi, I don’t think he wants to get into a competition.”
If Lollobrigida goes to Brussels, vacating the agriculture minister’s chair, Meloni could take the opportunity to reshuffle, given that she seems disappointed with the actions of some ministers: Adolfo Urso (Made in Italy), Gennaro Sangiuliano (culture), Santanche (tourism).
Rumours circulating in Rome – all of them unconfirmed – also suggest the possible candidacy of Arianna Meloni, Meloni’s sister but also a militant of the first hour and now leader and head of the party membership, as the main candidate in the central constituency for Fratelli d’Italia.
