Matteo Salvini, Italy's Deputy Prime Minister, received support from European far-right leaders at a rally in Pontida, northern Italy, on October 6, 2024. The event, organized by Salvini's League party, drew attention to his ongoing legal case stemming from a 2019 incident involving a migrant boat.
Viktor Orban of Hungary and Geert Wilders from the Netherlands joined other prominent European politicians to express solidarity with Salvini. The gathering underscored the increasing influence of far-right parties across the continent.
"You are our hero. We stand with you. That's why we are here."
Wilders' presence at the rally is significant, as his anti-Islam party recently joined the Dutch government for the first time, reflecting the growing power of far-right movements in Europe.
In June 2024, several like-minded parties formed the Patriots for Europe group, now the third-largest bloc in the European Parliament. This coalition aims to limit Brussels' authority and address unauthorized immigration issues.
Salvini faces potential legal consequences for his actions in 2019 when, as Interior Minister, he prevented over 100 migrants from disembarking in Italy. Prosecutors allege that this decision effectively resulted in the kidnapping of the migrants, forcing them to remain at sea for nearly a week under deteriorating conditions.
Viktor Orban defended Salvini's actions, stating, "He deserves exultation, not punishment. He defended the homes of Italians, and he has also defended Europe."
The next hearing in Salvini's case is scheduled for October 18, 2024, though the verdict date remains uncertain. Salvini expressed hope for Donald Trump's victory in the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November 2024.
Orban also addressed the issue of asylum seekers, threatening to transport migrants to Brussels unless the European Court of Justice rescinds a daily €1 million fine imposed on Hungary for violating asylum laws. He stated, "If they continue to punish us, we will transport migrants from Budapest to Brussels. If they want the migrants, they can keep them."
This rally and the surrounding events highlight the complex challenges facing the European Union regarding migration policies and the rise of far-right political movements. The EU's Common European Asylum System, established in 1999, and the European Asylum Support Office, created in 2010, continue to grapple with these issues.
As the European Parliament prepares for its next elections, the influence of groups like Patriots for Europe may shape future EU policies on immigration and national sovereignty. The ongoing debate reflects the tension between EU-wide cooperation and individual member states' desires for greater autonomy in managing their borders and asylum procedures.