Populist Winds: Slovakia and Italy Shape EU Parliament

Voters in Slovakia, Italy, and other EU nations head to the polls for European Parliament elections. The assassination attempt on Slovakia's populist PM Robert Fico may bolster his party's chances, while Italy's Premier Giorgia Meloni eyes coalition gains. Larger EU member states vote on Sunday.

Voters in Slovakia, Italy, and several other European Union countries are hitting the polls on the third day of European Parliament elections. Populist and far-right parties are hoping to gain ground across the bloc's 27 member nations.

In Slovakia, the election climate has been tense following an assassination attempt on populist Prime Minister Robert Fico on May 15. The attack sent shockwaves through the country of 5.4 million and had echoes across Europe. Political analysts believe the incident might actually enhance the electoral prospects of Fico's leftist Smer (Direction) party, which currently leads the governing coalition.

Italian voters aged 18 and over started casting ballots for 76 seats over two days, starting Saturday. Premier Giorgia Meloni is projected to emerge as the significant winner, spotlighting her Brothers of Italy party's rise. The main voting day sees citizens in major countries, including Germany and France, finalizing their choices for the 720-seat Parliament.