LIZ Truss has congratulated the far-right leader set to become Italy’s first female premier.
Giorgia Meloni, who leads the party Brothers of Italy, is widely expected to deliver the country’s first far-right-led government since the Second World War.
In a congratulatory tweet, Liz Truss described the UK and Italy as “close allies”.
She said: “Congratulations to @GiorgiaMeloni on her party’s success in the Italian elections.
Congratulations to @GiorgiaMeloni on her party's success in the Italian elections. From supporting Ukraine to addressing global economic challenges, the UK and Italy are close allies. 🇬🇧🇮🇹
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) September 26, 2022
“From supporting Ukraine to addressing global economic challenges, the UK and Italy are close allies.”
Italy’s left wing has warned of “dark days” as near-final results show Meloni’s party has won the most votes in the country’s national elections.
However, right-wing political figures across Europe, including Marine Le Pen and Spain’s Santiago Abascal have sung Meloni's praises.
In a victory speech on Monday, Meloni said: “If we are called to govern this nation, we will do it for everyone, we will do it for all Italians and we will do it with the aim of uniting the people.
“Italy chose us. We will not betray it as we never have.”
Meloni’s party is set to win 26% of the vote ahead of her closest rival Enrico Letta from the centre left.
Letta said the party’s victory was a “sad day for Italy and Europe” but added that his party would provide a “strong and intransigent opposition”.
