Tajani sees a Russian threat to the elections in Europe, whilst Salvini sees anti-Russian anxiety on the part of “certain chancelleries”

The Russian threat to Europe remains a point of disagreement between the two ministers, Antonio Tajani and Matteo Salvini, who already hold differing views on a number of other issues. Moscow’s possible interference in the Italian elections is, in fact, a cause for concern for the Foreign Minister, who was questioned by reporters today following a lengthy analysis published by the Financial Times describing the leader of Futuro Nazionale, Roberto Vannacci, as “Moscow’s Trojan horse in Italy”.

“It is a general issue; it is an issue that concerns the whole of the European Union, but we cannot rule out the possibility of attempts to influence elections in countries where voting is taking place. I am convinced that this could happen, which is why we must take action in advance,” Tajani replied on the sidelines of the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow, Ireland. Regarding the article in the British newspaper, the Deputy Prime Minister commented: “The Financial Times can write whatever it likes. But what is said must always be substantiated. I hope this is completely untrue.”

The Minister of the Interior takes a completely different view. Today, during a visit to the Carabinieri station in Rome-Alessandrina, he played down fears of Russian interference in the Italian elections, stating: “I do not know if my colleague Tajani has further information; perhaps he has more evidence than I do as Deputy Prime Minister. I do not wish to show any disrespect for the intelligence and freedom of choice of Italians, who have never voted under external influence.” Salvini then added: “It seems to me that there is – and I am not referring to Tajani but to other European countries – an anti-Russian anxiety that worries me.” The Deputy Prime Minister finally stated: “Assuming that Russia was in the wrong, that it attacked, invaded and unleashed a war that was entirely unnecessary. But I suspect that some European governments do not want to put an end to this war and are constantly looking for pretexts to fuel it and perhaps sell more weapons”.

Yesterday, the German government openly accused Russia of waging a hybrid war against Germany, which is ‘guilty’ of supporting Ukraine in its defence. The drone laden with explosives found at Leipzig Airport on 4 August alongside a Ukrainian Antonov is attributable to Moscow, the Ministers for the Interior and Foreign Affairs said. On this matter, Tajani reiterated the Italian government’s solidarity, as already expressed yesterday by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Salvini did not comment on the incident.