Democratic Party (PD) leader Enrico
Letta on Wednesday alleged that Russian President Vladimir Putin
was "participating" in Italy's general election and is hoping
for a centre-right victory this Sunday.
"The idea of giving in to Putin's blackmail is crazy," Letta
said.
"I hope that the September 25 election is also a vote about this
and that the Italian people don't vote for Putin's friends.
"Putin is participating in the September 25 election and he will
be the first one to look at the result and try to understand if
it is positive or negative for him.
"If the right wins, Putin will be the first to celebrate.
"You are either here or there, either with Putin or with Europe.
"The Italian right is extremely ambiguous about this issue and
this is very negative for our country because Europe will not be
ambiguous."
Outgoing Premier Mario Draghi said last week that US Secretary
of State Antony Blinken had told him that no Italian names
featured in a US intelligence report on Russian funding to
foreign parties and politicians.
The report that Russia has given over $300 million to foreign
parties, officials and politicians in more than 20 countries
since 2014 caused a furore during the Italian election campaign.
Salvini expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir
Putin several times in the past, but he has said he changed his
mind after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Forza Italia leader and ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi also had
friendly relations with Putin in the past.
While Berlusconi has said Italy must stand together with its
Western allies in relation to sanctions on Russia, Salvini has
expressed reservations about them.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
