France, US, Russia vow boosting ties with Italy's Meloni
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Giorgia Meloni, the head of the Brothers of Italy, will likely lead the nation's most right-wing administration as prime minister.
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Pasquale Gargano/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images.
The president of France, Emmanuel Macron, expressed his admiration for the "democratic choice" made by the Italian people on Monday in the wake of the Brothers of Italy's triumph in the election.
"The Italian people have made their democratic and sovereign choice. We respect it," Macron said in a statement.
"As countries that are neighbours and friends, we must continue to work together."
Read next: Brothers of Italy, right-wing coalition on-track to win elections
Giorgia Meloni, the head of the Brothers of Italy, will likely lead the nation's most right-wing administration since World War II as its first female prime minister.
Her election has sparked worries about a crackdown on abortion among proponents of women's rights, and minority groups are worried about her commitment to promoting Europe's "Judeo-Christian" heritage.
"We will be attentive, with the president of the European Commission, that these values of human rights, the respect of one another, notably the respect of abortion rights, are respected by all," French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said earlier Monday.
Blinken to work with Italy on rights
Following the far-right party's triumph in Italy, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Monday that the United States was eager to engage with the new administration but will promote "respect for human rights."
"We are eager to work with Italy's government on our shared goals: supporting a free and independent Ukraine, respecting human rights and building a sustainable economic future," Blinken wrote on Twitter.
"Italy is a vital ally, strong democracy and valued partner," he said.
As the 25th of September election nears in #Italy, the far-right is focusing its campaign on immigrants.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 22, 2022
Will Italy submit to the far-right with its neo-fascist roots? pic.twitter.com/eZuMXx7Gxn
Meloni is on track to become Italy's first leader since Benito Mussolini with fascist roots following a campaign in which she criticized immigration and expressed doubt about the European Union.
After defeating Donald Trump, President Joe Biden has vowed to place democracy and human rights at the forefront of his foreign policy.
With her steadfast support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's military operation, Meloni, who is about to become Italy's first female prime minister, has parted ways with certain other far-right politicians.
Kremlin to open 'constructive' ties with Meloni
After the far-right leader won the general election in Italy, the Kremlin declared on Monday that Moscow was willing to forge "constructive" ties with Rome.
"We are ready to welcome any political forces that are able to go beyond the established mainstream, which is filled with hate for our country... and show willingness to be constructive in relations with our country," Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, when asked about Meloni's victory.
