Giorgia Meloni criticizes Germany’s strategy of isolating the AfD after its record result in Saxony-Anhalt

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that the strategy of traditional parties to isolate the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is not working, in an interview with the Italian newspaper Il Foglio published on Saturday. Her remarks came after the AfD’s victory in the regional elections in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, where the anti-immigration party won 43.8% of the vote, close to an absolute majority.

Mainstream parties have ruled out any cooperation with the AfD under the policy known as the “firewall,” complicating the formation of a local government despite the election result. The domestic intelligence services have classified the AfD’s organization in Saxony-Anhalt as right-wing extremist.

Meloni argued that movements focused on defending identity, combating illegal migration and the risk of Islamization are gaining ground in Europe. In her view, the establishment has preferred to erect political barriers rather than address voters’ concerns. She recommended listening to these grievances and formulating concrete responses.

The Italian prime minister, who has been in power for nearly four years, has previously distanced herself from the AfD and the party’s positions.