Italian FM warns of possible Russian attempts to influence elections

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has warned that Russia could attempt to interfere in elections in Italy and other European Union countries, saying governments should act before such efforts take place.

“It is a general issue, it is an issue that concerns the whole European Union,” Tajani said on Wednesday as he arrived at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. He said attempts to influence elections in EU member states “cannot be ruled out”.

According to Italian media, Tajani said he was convinced such interference could occur and stressed the need for early action.

He also said Russia could seek to interfere in the democratic processes of EU countries and influence voters through what he described as “deplorable activity”.

“This would be completely unacceptable,” Tajani said, adding that governments must remain vigilant and prevent such actions.

The Italian foreign minister pointed to cyberattacks against Italian diplomatic missions and the Foreign Ministry, saying many had been carried out by Russian hackers. He recalled an attack on the ministry’s website when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Italy for his first visit.

Tajani also rejected suggestions that Italian politician Roberto Vannacci could be a “Trojan horse for Russia”, following an article in the Financial Times.

“The Financial Times can write whatever it wants. You always have to prove what you say. I hope this is absolutely false,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, meanwhile, said he was concerned by what he called “anti-Russian anxiety”.

Salvini said he did not believe Italian voters would be influenced by Russia or other foreign powers. He acknowledged that Russia had invaded Ukraine, but argued that some European governments might be seeking reasons to prolong the war.

“I am not worried that the Russians will invade Torre Maura or Tor Bella Monaca,” Salvini said, referring to districts of Rome.

By Aghakazim Guliyev