Ursula von der Leyen's bid for second term in trouble over Giorgia Meloni ties
European Commission president outreach to right-wing Italian
BRUSSELS European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she is willing to work with MEPs from Giorgia Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy party, despite concerns about their anti-EU views.
Meloni is a Eurosceptic who has called for reforms to the EU that would give member states more power.
Von der Leyen's comments come as she is seeking the support of MEPs to secure a second term as Commission president.
She needs the backing of a majority of MEPs to be re-elected, and the Brothers of Italy are the third-largest group in the European Parliament.
However, von der Leyen's willingness to work with the Brothers of Italy has been met with criticism from some MEPs, who argue that it could damage the EU's credibility.
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