5-Star Movement (M5S) premier
candidate Luigi Di Maio said Monday that the anti-establishment
group was a key barrier to extremism after the strong showing of
the right-wing, nationalist AfD party in Germany's general
election.
"We are the only bulwark against the extremists in Europe,"
he said.
"The vote shows that the traditional parties are in decline".
European Parliament President Antonio Tajani said Monday that
the AfD's rise was "a negative signal for Italy".
"This party is anti-Italian, anti-Mediterranean, it almost
considers them inferior beings," Tajani told RAI television.
"I hope the political arena finally sees the presence of a
stronger Italy, because the German result demands that Italy be
a leading player to have a balanced Europe, a Europe that looks
to the future".
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