Italy PM Giorgia Meloni casts vote in EU Parliament election
Italy became the first heavyweight nation to cast votes for the EU's next parliament on Saturday, in a test of far-right leader Giorgia Meloni's strength at home.
Most of the European Union's 27 member countries, including France and Germany, will vote on Sunday, the final day, with projected overall results due late that evening.
The first polling stations have already opened in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia, the site of deadly rioting this month.
The two-day ballot in Italy, the EU's third-largest economy with 76 of 720 seats in the new parliament, could have significant consequences.
After casting her vote in Rome, Meloni told reporters that the EU contest "will shape the next five years".
Polls suggest Meloni's Brothers of Italy party could win with 27 percent of the vote -- more than quadrupling its score from 2019 -- amid a broader surge of far-right groups across the bloc.
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
Related Articles
Countdown to another Iran-Israel war? Tehran readies to 'fire 2,000 missiles in one go'
Jerusalem/IBNS: A renewed Iran-Israel war may be just a matter of time, according to a report published by The New York Times on Sunday.
Christians in Bangladesh 'anxious' after bomb attacks on churches, catholic school
Dhaka/IBNS: Amid growing concerns over violence against minorities in Bangladesh, the country’s Christian community has been left deeply alarmed after three crude bomb attacks targeted two Catholic churches and a Christian school over the past few weeks, according to a report by AFP.
Activists condemn Pakistan's decades-long suppression of the Baloch people during BNM event in Berlin
The Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a demonstration in Berlin, Germany, to mark Baloch Martyrs’ Day, drawing political activists, human rights advocates, and members of the Baloch diaspora from several countries.
US Senate advances bill to end 40-day government shutdown, restore federal services
Washington/IBNS: After a gruelling 40 days of halted services, delayed aid, and widespread disruption, the U.S. Senate on Sunday took a crucial step toward reopening the federal government.
Latest News
8 dead, 24 injured as car explosion near Red Fort rocks Delhi; forensic teams probe terror angle
At least 5 dead, several injured in explosion in parked car near Delhi's Red Fort
VVIP treatment to terrorists? Bengaluru jail chief transferred, 2 suspended after videos show inmates partying, using phones
Countdown to another Iran-Israel war? Tehran readies to 'fire 2,000 missiles in one go'