Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister, Matteo Salvini, failed to regain mass support from far-right voters in the European Parliament elections, winning only nine percent of the votes. Despite this, Salvini remains optimistic and insists that the government makeup remains unchanged.
Salvini’s attempt to attract voters away from his main rival, Giorgia Meloni, was unsuccessful. Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party won 28.8 percent of the vote. Salvini’s strategy to target the protest vote with the slogan “More Italy, Less Europe” did not resonate with voters.
Salvini’s decision to feature army general Roberto Vannacci as the star candidate, despite controversy surrounding Vannacci’s past actions, did not yield the desired results. Vannacci’s extreme views alienated voters instead of attracting them.
Salvini’s use of AI-generated images on social media, along with his anti-EU rhetoric, did not help in attracting voters either. Political analysts believe Salvini may face a leadership challenge due to his failed campaign strategies and declining support.
Despite Salvini’s efforts, it seems that his leadership within the League party is in jeopardy, as he struggles to regain the support he once had.