While campaigning,Meloni insisted that national interests would prevail over European Union policies should there be conflict.
Salvini’s right-wing League party has at times leaned eurosceptic. An admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin,Salvini has questioned the wisdom of EU sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine,arguing that they risk hurting Italian business.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Meloni,noting she was the first woman to hold the premiership.
“I count on and look forward to constructive cooperation with the new government on the challenges we face together,” the EU chief said.
Meloni tweeted back that that she was “eager and ready to work with you to strengthen EU resilience towards our common challenges.”
One immediate challenge for Meloni will be ensuring that Italy stays solidly aligned with other major nations in the West in helping Ukraine fight off the invading Russians.
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In the days before she became premier,Meloni resorted to an ultimatum to her other main coalition partner,Berlusconi,over his professed sympathy for Putin and dismissive comments about Ukraine’s president.
Berlusconi,in remarks to Forza Italia lawmakers,appeared to justify the Russian invasion in February to install what he called a “decent” government in the Ukrainian capital.
After making clear she demands unwavering support for Ukraine,as well as NATO and EU positions on Russia’s war - “Italy with us in government will never be the weak link of the West,” she said - Meloni tapped as foreign minister a longtime Berlusconi stalwart with solid pro-EU credentials.
Antonio Tajani formerly was president of the European Parliament.
In his congratulatory tweet for Meloni,Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made no reference to Berlusconi slamming him. “I look forward to continued fruitful cooperation to ensure peace and prosperity in Ukraine,Italy and the world!” Zelensky wrote.
Meloni replied that Italy would “always be on the side of the brave people of Ukraine that is fighting for its freedom and for a rightful peace.”
US President Joe Biden,in congratulating Meloni,praised Italy as a “vital NATO ally and close partner as our nations together address shared global challenges”.
“As leaders in the G-7,I look forward to continuing to advance our support for Ukraine,hold Russia accountable for its aggression,ensure respect for human rights and democratic values,and build sustainable economic growth,” Biden said.
In a statement thanking Biden,Meloni said she was eager to work together “for freedom and international security.”
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“The United States and Italy are united by a deep friendship and by the transatlantic partnership,founded on common values,” she said,referring to NATO.
With potential wavering in Parliament by her Russian-sympathising allies,as well as from former Premier Giuseppe Conte,a populist opposition leader,over continued arms supplies to Ukraine,Meloni appointed one of her party co-founders,Guido Crosetto,as defence minister.
While Meloni has pitched herself as crucial to combating leftist ideology,Crosetto sounded a more conciliatory note.
“Whoever governs represents the entire nation,sheds partisan attire and takes on that of collective responsibility,” the new defence minister told reporters.
Europe’s political right,eager to dominate on the continent,exulted in Meloni coming to power.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen,referring to Meloni and Salvini,wrote on Twitter:“Throughout Europe,patriots are coming to power and with them,this Europe of nations.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also hailed the birth of the new Italian government as a “big day for the European Right.”
In any unusual touch for a country used to male-dominated politics and power,Meloni’s companion,a journalist in Berlusconi’s media empire,attended Saturday’s swearing-in ceremony along with the couple’s 6-year-old daughter,Ginevra.