Italian PM accuses European leaders of acting like 'oligarchs'

Italian PM accuses European leaders of acting like 'oligarchs'

• Deal to give Ursula von der Leyen a second term was voted on last night

The Italian prime minister has accused European leaders of acting like 'oligarchs' after a deal was struck to divvy up the EU's top jobs without her.

Giorgia Meloni, who leads the hard-Right Brothers of Italy Party, said the deal was a betrayal of the will of the European people.

It was struck by three main, broadly centrist groups – the European People's Party, the Socialists and Democrats, and Renew Europe.

The deal, which would make Ursula von der Leyen European Commission president for a second term, was due to be voted on last night.

But Ms Meloni said the success of her European Conservatives and Reformists grouping – the EU parliament's third largest force following this month's elections – should be reflected in its leadership.

Under the EU's treaties, the leaders' choice of candidates should reflect the results of the election, with the posts shared among the winners.

Ms Meloni told the Italian parliament: 'Some claim citizens are not mature enough to take certain decisions and that oligarchy is the only acceptable form of democracy.'

Polish PM Donald Tusk said that the three groups negotiated 'to facilitate the process' and not to ostracise her.