Italian politicians have expressed worry about the potential for Russian “interference” in subsequent month’s parliamentary elections.
Comments by way of former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev have sparked controversy and fear forward of the vote on 25 September.
On Thursday, Medvedev known as on European electorate to “punish” their “stupid” governments for opposing Moscow, amid the battle in Ukraine.
“We would like to see European citizens not only outraged at the actions of their governments … but to hold them to account and punish them for their obvious stupidity,” he wrote on Telegram.
“Take action, European neighbours. Don’t remain silent. Demand accountability,” he added.
Italy — led by way of outgoing Prime Minister Mario Draghi — has up to now supported Ukraine unreservedly for the reason that get started invasion, offering hands and humanitarian support.
But the rustic’s stance may alternate if the extra pro-Russian right-wing coalition wins the elections.
Medvedev’s feedback had been slammed by way of Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, who warned of “Russian government interference in the elections”.
Democratic Party Enrico Letta additionally said that Moscow is attempting to “change the position of Italian foreign policy, which since the beginning has been very clear alongside the EU and NATO”.
“We must reconfirm this choice, it is clear that the election on 25 September will also be about this,” Letta added, criticising right-wing events for closing silent.
The former Italian top minister also known as at the far-right League to abolish a 2017 agreement it signed with the United Russia party of President Vladimir Putin.
League chief Matteo Salvini had regarded as travelling to Moscow after the beginning of the Russian invasion prior to cancelling plans.
He defended himself on Friday, declaring that he had “not been to Russia for years” and that “Russia does not have the slightest influence on the Italian elections”.
