Brussels – A day after untangling the intricate knot over the vice presidencies, the vote count in the EU Parliament begins for the final green light for the new European Commission, scheduled for Wednesday, November 27. The vote should not present any particular pitfalls for the College—a yes vote of 50+1 of those present will be sufficient—but it will certainly shape a different support than the one obtained individually by Ursula von der Leyen in July. Starting with the turnaround of Fratelli d’Italia, whose delegation— once assured Raffaele Fitto—is now ready to support the second-term von der Leyen team taking office.
The positions of the 76 Italian MEPs have already been indicated by the heads of their parties’ delegations in Brussels. Except for those who will decide not to toe the line—few, considering that the vote will be open and nominal—the Italian MEPs are divided into two clear lineups: Fratelli d’Italia, Partito Democratico and Forza Italia in favour, Movimento 5 Stelle, Alleanza Verdi-Sinistra and Lega against. Two unprecedented groupings at home, reflecting, however, the shift to the right that is taking place in the coalition in Brussels, with the exit of the Greens and the entry, at least with one foot, of a good part of the Conservatives (ECR) into the majority composed of the Populars (PPE), Socialists (S&D) and Liberals (Renew).
The spotlight is on the socialist family in particular, whose several national delegations have yet to lift their reservations, and with the French socialists repeatedly saying they will stand against. But Nicola Zingaretti, head of the Democratic Party delegation, said he is “certain” that his people will vote yes for the new commission. The former Dem secretary cleared the air about a few things: “History does justice to the ridiculous accusations that have been levelled at us in recent weeks and to which I have not responded out of charity. History says that in this Parliament, Raffaele Fitto has been able to hold a dialectical hearing, on content, absolutely respectful of Italy, the role that Italy has, and its positions,” he said.
The party of Fitto and Premier Giorgia Meloni—also president of the European Conservatives—has no doubts: With the yes to the appointment, the European Commission can begin. Already last night, Fratelli d’Italia’s head of delegation, Nicola Procaccini, declared that the 24 Melonians “are oriented to vote in favour,” explaining that “this is a completely different vote, with completely different majorities” than the one on the President of the EU executive. On the other hand, EPP leader Manfred Weber dragged Meloni into the pro-European majority last night, saying that “Fratelli d’Italia contributed” when “the Greens refused to do so.”
Door in the face to the Greens reiterated by the head of the Forza Italia delegation—which has nine MEPs in the EPP— Fulvio Martusciello: “It is clear that whoever does not vote for the Commission on November 27 is out of the majority, and whoever is out of the majority must resign from the positions they have received. And those of the Greens are indeed many,” he said in a note. The four Italian Greens, led by Ignazio Marino, denounced the “unacceptable” agreement on appointments, whereby “the majority supporting the von der Leyen Commission changes in just three months from a centre-left coalition to a new centre-right one. A shift that “makes it impossible to vote positively on the college of commissioners in the next plenary in Strasbourg.”
Valentina Palmisano, MEP of the 5-Star Movement, was very harsh and spoke of an “inciucio” (backroom deal) between the majority groups: “Europe has reached the lowest point in its history, and we are proud not to have participated in this killing game,” she said. The eight 5 Star MEPs—as well as the two from the Italian Left, Domenico Lucano and Ilaria Salis—in line with the European Left Group will not support von der Leyen-bis. Palmisano took the opportunity to tease the Italian government parties, which in Europe “go their own way completely.”
In fact, on the “no” front, there is also the Lega, consistent with the sovereignist soul of the Patriots group, which is a member of Brussels but at odds with its two governing allies in Rome. The Carroccio’s head of delegation, Paolo Borchia, announced in the morning that “there is no willingness on the part of the Lega to vote for this Commission.” On the contrary, the Leghists say they are “very concerned because we believe it is a Commission of low quality and low competence.” With the exception, of course, of “Fitto and Varhelyi (the Hungarian commissioner, ed.),” for the rift with Meloni and Orban to be mended anyway. No problem at home, no problem in the Patriots, in which, according to Borchia, several delegations will hold fast to their opposition to Ursula von der Leyen.
At the vote count, the 76 Italians may not be decisive. But now, the positioning of the Italian parties reflects more than ever the new composition of the Ursula majority. Out with the Greens, in with ECR.
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
