Meloni says acted as 'European leader' with VDL no vote

(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 20 - Premier Giorgia Meloni defended her decision this week to order MEPs from her right-wing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party to vote against a second-term for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in an interview published in Saturday's Corriere della Sera.
    "I behaved as a European leader should behave because I asked myself whether it was the right trajectory," Meloni said.
    "The citizens asked for a change of pace (in June's European elections) and I did what I thought was right.
    "If you decide to say yes only to do what others are doing, you are not doing the job that a leader should do.
    "There has often been a lack of politics, which is about vision and decision, in Europe.
    "The method chosen to decide the (EU) top jobs can compromise both.
    "By allying political forces that do not think the same way about anything, the risk is that you don't have a clear vision".
    Meloni said she does not fear Italy getting a secondary role in the new EU executive after voting against von der Leyen.
    "I speak to the Commission President all the time. We have learned to respect each other," Meloni said.
    "We have cooperated up to now and we'll continue to do so in the future too.
    "Everyone recognizes Italy's importance and its role and I'm certain that this will be what is assessed when the posts are decided". (ANSA).