Italian voters deliver a black eye to Brussels by backing eurosceptic Five Star and League in elections
Eurosceptics were the clear winners in the latest Italian election as voters delivered a body blow to the European Union and to pro-EU politicians in their country
ITALIAN voters dealt a huge blow to the EU after more than half backed eurosceptics.
The anti-euro Five Star Movement became the country’s biggest party with 32.5 per cent of votes in an election result to shock Brussels.
And there was a surge to the stridently sceptic League, which landed 17.5 per cent and could now head up a right-wing coalition.
Its leader Matteo Salvini mocked EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker, saying “every time he speaks, I gain votes.”
He added: “The euro is and remains a wrong currency and a wrong choice.”
Meanwhile pro-EU socialists slumped to their worst result in recent history, mirroring a decline across Europe. Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of the Democratic Party conceded defeat.
Experts said the result will fuel calls for a referendum on membership of the euro and a much tougher approach to migration.
Enea Desideri, of the Open Europe think tank, said the result was likely to slow down further EU integration. He told The Sun: “The Italian result could certainly have a substantial impact on Europe.
“Even should Italy’s position within the EU remain that of a Europhile country, the uncertainty created could put substantial obstacles in the path to a Eurozone reform.”
The EU Commission tried to quell panic, with a spokesman saying their approach was “keep calm and carry on”.
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Italy is expected to take weeks to cobble together a coalition. Five Star, led by Luigi Di Maio, is unlikely to form a pact with any other party.
Ex-Ukip leader Nigel Farage said: “This is a huge surge for Eurosceptic and anti-establishment parties in Italy.
“The EU’s misguided immigration policy is leading to great resentment and will spell its end.”