Italy may be governed by populist party

Europe concerned at rise of Eurosceptic and anti-immigrant political forces

Luigi di Maio, leader of Italy's 5-star movement, cheered with delight as the second senate results projection flashed up on a screen showing his movement gaining 33.6 vote in Italy's general election. Video: Facebook/Luigi di Maio

Italy’s hung parliament and the prospect of a government in Rome led by one of two populist parties has sent ripples of concern through European capitals.

The election, which saw the dramatic strengthening of Eurosceptic, anti-immigrant forces, and deepened Italy’s north-south divisions, seemed to confirm the irresistible rise of right-wing populism across Europe in the wake of the economic crisis.

The maverick Eurosceptic Five Star Movement won most support, securing 32 per cent of the vote, while the anti-immigrant Lega also emerged as a major force. Their leaders – Five Star's Luigi Di Maio (31) and Lega's Matteo Salvini (44) – were both staking claims to lead the country last night.

Inconclusive result

Once again, a European election has delivered an inconclusive result. This time, however, the parties struggling to form a government are not the establishment but the rebels. Unlike in Germany or the Netherlands, there is little chance that the mainstream parties will be able to put together a ruling coalition to keep populist forces out of government.

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The election will almost certainly bring into the European Council a leader who sympathises with increasingly authoritarian Poland and Hungary and shift the political balance against further EU integration.

Government formation is likely to take several months.

Patrick Smyth

Patrick Smyth

Patrick Smyth is former Europe editor of The Irish Times