Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Wednesday warned of possible attempts by Russia to influence Italy’s general elections next year, calling it «an issue that concerns the entire European Union».
«One cannot rule out attempts to influence elections in countries where voting takes place», Antonio Tajani said upon arriving at an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow, Ireland. He added: «I do not rule out attempts by the Russian Federation to interfere in the democratic life of European Union countries, to meddle in the free democratic elections held in our states, and to try to influence the will of the people through this condemnable activity.»
Polls show that the rising cost of living, the deteriorating state of the healthcare system, security and immigration are among the main issues concerning Italians ahead of the elections.
‘Trojan horse’ allegations
Antonio Tajani also referenced an article in the daily newspaper Financial Times (FT), which described the leader of Italy’s new right‑wing party National Future, Roberto Vannacci, as «a Trojan horse for Russia». The foreign minister rejected the newspaper’s claim without stating outright that it was completely false.
«Financial Times can write whatever it wants. You always have to substantiate what you say. I hope it is absolutely untrue», Antonio Tajani said.
According to FT, Roberto Vannacci seeks to turn the sympathy toward Moscow, which remains widespread in some parts of Italian society, into political support, primarily by exploiting the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine and the related sanctions. The article cites analysts who suspect that the political rise of the former army general is backed by «Russian influence».
«His pro‑Kremlin positions risk complicating Giorgia Meloni’s re‑election campaign by tapping into deeply rooted pacifist sentiments, economic discontent and sympathy for Moscow in Italy», the newspaper wrote.
Escalating rhetoric
Currently, the exchange of remarks between Rome and Moscow is becoming more frequent and sharper. On Monday, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto directly responded to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who had called the appointment of former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as an advisor to Italy’s Defense Ministry «ridiculous».
«I understand that they would prefer decisions about Italy to be made by someone who first coordinates them with Moscow», Guido Crosetto said. «At present that is not the case; we make decisions thinking only of Rome, not of Moscow, Kyiv or Washington.»
This is not the first time both sides have resorted to hyperbole in their verbal dispute. A month ago, when rumors circulated about the then‑unconfirmed advisory role of Mykhailo Fedorov, Maria Zakharova sarcastically remarked: «It’s a pity that Osama bin Laden did not live to see this; he would have made an excellent advisor to the Italian government.»
According to: Euronews
