Nigel Farage has celebrated the UK’s decision to leave the European Union in light of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s comments on the Italian election. Ms von der Leyen threatened to deploy certain “tools” at her disposal if Italy’s Government moved away from democratic proposals.
The right-wing Brothers of Italy party, led by Giorgia Meloni, looks set to win the election, making her the country’s first female Prime Minister.
Speaking at Princeton University on Thursday, Ms von der Leyen said: “My approach is that whatever democratic government is willing to work with us, we’re working together.
“If things go in a difficult direction, I’ve spoken about Hungary and Poland, we have tools.”
However, Mr Farage tweeted: “If the exit poll is right and Meloni becomes PM in Italy, what ‘tools’ will the awful @vonderleyen use?
“Thank God we have left.”
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki described Ms von der Leyen’s words as “scandalous” as he visited the town of Świdnik on Saturday.
He said: “She said Brussels had the tools to discipline Italy if it created a government that would not be in favour of Brussels.
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Matteo Salvini, a member of Ms Meloni’s conservative alliance, tweeted in response: “What is this, a threat?
“Respect the free, democratic and sovereign vote of the Italian people!”
The Democratic Party has officially conceded defeat to the Brothers of Italy as they look set to take a large majority of the vote.
Official results from the Italian election are likely to be known by Monday.