The Channel 24 correspondent heard this from Italians on the streets of Milan. However, given that several right-wing forces have ties to Putin, some respondents voiced concern that the new Italian government may weaken this support.

Interesting Moscow is losing its Trojan Horse in Italy

What do the results of the election mean to the Italians, and what does Ukraine have to do with it?

A revision of the EU sanctions on Russia has been demanded by controversial right-wing extreme leaders in Italy, including Matteo Salvini. The far-right and neo-fascist movements have historically supported Putin in EU nations.

The far right is supported by those who are unhappy with the direction of domestic politics, putting the blame on the left, which held the reins of power between 2013- 2018 before national unity government rule.

It is important to note that Italians have a negative perception of their politicians. There are multiple trends going on at the same time:

  • Not all Italians have made up their minds yet; the majority are likely to support Georgia Meloni, leader of the "Brothers of Italy" party.
  • Unluckily, some Italians believe that if the right-wing gains power, relations with Ukraine may worsen.
  • Those who haven't made up their minds will probably vote for the poll leader.

However, in terms of foreign policy, Italians who lean right are in favor of continuing to help Ukraine in the war with Russia.

“Italy now offers Ukraine significant help, both militarily and economically. According to polls, the right-wing forces will win. Given that Orban (Hungarian prime minister - 24) and other European far-right figures are supported by right-wing elements in Italy, I believe that ties between Ukraine and that country may deteriorate. Putin is good friends with Orban and the Italian right-wing leaders Salvini and Berlusconi. If the right parties win, then, I'm sorry, Italy can pull back from Ukraine", the man remarked.

As a result of Putin's aggression, many people in Italy emphasize the significance of Europe's support for Ukraine.

"If the right wins, the European front may crack. Some observers believe that the victory of the right in Italy will spread this trend to Europe. Therefore, Europe's support for Ukraine may weaken," one of the respondents suggested.

What Italians think about the elections and support for Ukraine: watch the video story of Channel 24

Italians’ expectations shared with “24”

Correspondent of the "24": “Whom are you going to vote for in the elections?”

- For the center-right.

- I have not decided yet. I still need to think carefully. I do not have a clear opinion yet.

- I have low expectations from these elections. I have never lived in times of such elections, where the political classes are depressed and unprepared. The course of Italy is marked by a serious crisis of political parties. Therefore, in this election, as one famous journalist said, I will vote for one of the parties without conviction. And this party will be "5 stars" led by Giuseppe Conte. Because I think that this option is the least bad.

- We expect the arrival of right-wing parties, because we are tired of the left. I still have to choose a party, but it will be right-wing. The left does not like excessive tolerance in politics. Migrants come to the country, they do not work, and... we all see what happens.

- There are center-right sentiments in Italy. We are waiting for the elections and hope that the center-right will win.

Correspondent of "24": “What do you expect in the relations between Italy and Ukraine after the elections?”

- Nothing will change. It will be as before. At least, that's what politicians said. And I would like them to fulfill their promises.

- It is right that Europe helps Ukraine in connection with the aggression of Putin's Russia. If the right wins, the European front may crack. Some observers believe that the victory of the right in Italy will spread this trend to Europe. Therefore, Europe's support for Ukraine may weaken.

- EU-Ukraine relations will be good because Europe chose to side with Ukraine because of the attack on the country. We all know that Ukraine was attacked.

- It is clear that Ukraine was attacked, that we have to defend you. However, something had to be done to achieve peace. Europe has not done enough in this regard.

- Of course, relations will not change. We will help Ukraine because it was attacked. That is why we are still helping Ukraine, and so is the whole of Europe.

Elections in Italy 2022: the latest news

According to Politico, the results of these elections may result in a right-wing coalition, which will include:

  • far-right "Brothers of Italy" (25%), led by Georgia Meloni,
  • anti-migrant "League" of Matteo Salvini (13% of support),
  • "Forza Italia of Silvio Berlusconi (7%).

In total, the right parties can get 45%. The left, led by the Democratic Party, will receive 22%, while the populist Five Star Movement (M5S) may receive 13%.