“The Guardian”: The two, Melon and Ursula von der Leyen are taking the EU to the right?

It's Melon's moment. She has become Europe's essential leader, and her influence will soon expand. The nationalist right and far-right parties, including Melon's “brothers”, are ready for large profits at the expense of left and green”, writes The Guardian.

Mellon has surprised opponents since her promotion for prime minister in 2022.

Instead of abandoning the EU, it seems inclined to run it.

Most importantly, it is her relationship with Ursula von der Leyeen, the president of the European Commission, who covets a second five-year term.

Von der Leyen has had to follow Melon, often visiting Italy to favor him.

That is because Melon's support may be crucial when national leaders (not voters) elect the next chief of the commission.

It's also because Melon has a fundamental impact on shaping Europe's agenda, especially on climate migration and managing problems like Hungary's Victor Orbán.

Its growing influence is helping to move the EU gravity centre always right.

The phenomenon of two empowered women running European affairs (also only one, Angela Merkel), emerged last year when Mellon helped von der Leyeen conclude a controversial migration agreement with Tunisia.

She was again ready in March when the EU granted 7.4 billion euros (6.3 billion pounds) to Egypt's abusive dictator Abdel Fatah al-Assi, in part to curb the influx of immigrants.

Melon's idea, adopted by von der Leyen, is to keep immigrants away from Europe's borders, a radical breach with previous EU asylum policies and refugee resolution.

Speaking at last week's candidate debate, von der Leeyen criticised parliament's far-right group, Identity and Democracy, which includes the Alternative for Germany ( AfD, France's National Rally (RN) (former National Ball) and the League of Italy.

Marine Le Pen, the leader of the National Rally, has accused Melon and von der Leen “of plotting” to ensure the latter's reappointed.

Europe's political establishment seems set for a proper start next month.

No wonder von der Leyen is going right.

The German conservative has support, even though still, of the popular European party of the centre-right dominant in parliament.

Critics accuse him of serious mistakes regarding pandemic, as well as the Gaza War. While inclined to win, she needs the support Mellon can provide.

Putting aside potentially useful right-wing divisions, the long-term combination of an ambitious Melon, and a von der Leyen that I need support is potentially dangerous for Europe.

“This dual act can draw the EU deep into an ideological swamp, while there are no practical and consensual answers to urgent challenges”, concludes The Guardian. /Simon Tisdall; The Guardian/