When the European parliamentary elections take place between May 23 and 26, a hierarchical battle between French President Emmanuel Macron and Italy’s deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini is expected to break out. The two European leaders have become the symbols of the two sides at the upcoming vote. And with the elections in mind, Mr Salvini has started identifying the French president as his “arch enemy”.
The Italian deputy prime minister has frequently attacked France for its “lack of solidarity” over what he called the burden carried by Italy regarding immigration.
Mr Salvini’s attacks have been branded by Enrico Letta, the former Italian prime minister, dangerous for Mr Macron, and urged him to refrain from entering the combat with the Italian eurosceptic.
He said: “It is Salvini who wants this duel, always attacking Macron, France and the French agenda.
“Macron is perfect for him as an enemy.
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“That is why it is more sensible for Macron to avoid having Salvini as his main opponent. He should focus on Le Pen.”
However, Mr Macron has since decided to join in on the war of words.
A French official said after Mr Salvini started challenging Mr Macron: “We’ve accepted this political divide and are organising around it.
“We are in a logic of combat.”
Neither of the two leading politicians will stand for a seat in the European parliament but the two forces have made it clear they will fight for their respective political sides to determine Europe’s future.
EU elections are often ignored and overlooked by many, but with the two high-profile politicians joining in on the debate, next year’s elections are expected to cause a riveting spectacle.
Mr Salvini’s popularity with Italian voters has risen as his far-right party Lega looks set to become the most powerful contingent in any nationalist group in Europe.
A poll published by Pollofpolls.eu said the party will surge from six percent and five seats in 2014 to 33 percent and 29 seats.
But while the Populist forces are in for a surge, the showdown could potentially cost Mr Macron dearly.
The French president’s popularity has sunk to record-low during the past weeks, much due to the country’s current situation with the yellow vest protests.
And the Italian eurosceptics will likely team up with MEPs from Marine Le Pen’s National Rally and Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party, who are also expected to gain votes.
This growth will push centrist forces, which have historically led the European Parliament, aside.
A study conducted by the Jacques Delors Institute, a Paris-based think-tank, suggested eurosceptic forces across Europe are unlikely to win the majority of the seats, but a gain will help them influence EU politics.