Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faces criticism from French populist Marine Le Pen for not opposing Ursula von der Leyen's second term as European Commission chief. Meloni, once known as a populist firebrand, has governed from the center and deepened ties with Brussels. While implementing conservative policies, illegal migration has increased under her leadership, leading to accusations of being a globalist in populist clothing.