The Italian centre-right consolidates its influence beyond national borders. Two leading figures from Fratelli d’Italia and the European Conservatives and Reformists Party (ECR), Carlo Fidanza and Antonio Giordano, have been elected vice-presidents of the International Democracy Union (IDU), the world’s leading alliance of centre-right parties, currently chaired by former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
The election took place in Brussels, during the IDU Forum on 15 May 2025, which was attended by leaders and delegations from all over the world. It was an opportunity to relaunch, in a context of growing global instability, the need for a common front among conservative forces, in the name of freedom, sovereignty and cooperation among free nations.
Fratelli d’Italia protagonist of the international scene
The addition of Fidanza and Giordano to the IDU leadership represents further recognition of Fratelli d’Italia’s growing role in the international political scene and confirms the external projection imparted by the government led by Giorgia Meloni. As president of the ECR and prime minister, Meloni has contributed to strengthening the link between the main forces of the European centre-right and the major world conservative parties, such as the American Republicans, the British Tories and the Canadian Populars.
During the forum, Giorgia Meloni herself sent a video message in which she emphasised:
“I am very proud to be part of the International Democracy Union (IDU), a global alliance of centre-right parties to which we proudly belong. I am immensely proud of the work of the European centre-right over the past 42 years, promoting and defending freedom and democracy around the world – a battle that began decades ago.”
Other conservative leaders also contributed to outlining a common vision. ECR President Mateusz Morawiecki highlighted the importance of uniting the voices of free nations against threats to global democracy. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever offered a reflection on the need for modern conservatism to take up the defence of Western civilisation against cultural relativism.
Next stop: Washington
The next IDU meeting will be in Washington in the autumn, where the dialogue between the centre-right parties will continue to be strengthened on the major global challenges: from security to digital sovereignty, from energy transition to the defence of national identities.
Meanwhile, Fidanza and Giordano expressed satisfaction with the appointment and confirmed their commitment to strongly represent the values of European conservatives within this international body. Their election further strengthens Italy’s presence in the decision-making fora of the global centre-right.
The Italian vision for the future of the centre-right
Italy, led by a patriotic and responsible right wing, is today perceived as a role model for many conservative parties. A nation capable of combining tradition and innovation, identity and openness, sovereignty and cooperation.
Giorgia Meloni’s leadership, which is appreciated on an international scale, and the authoritative presence of Fratelli d’Italia in major political alliances such as ECR and IDU, testify to a new season for the Italian centre-right, which is increasingly a protagonist not only in Europe, but also in the world.
