Giorgia Meloni's Hard-Right Ally Raffaele Fitto Gets Top European Union Role

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen put Raffaele Fitto forward as one of six executive vice presidents who will serve as her key lieutenants in the European Union's executive body.

Raffaele Fitto, a member of Italy's hard-right ruling party, was named to a top post in the next European Commission today, in a controversial move that has riled centrist and leftist groups.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen put Fitto forward as one of six executive vice presidents who will serve as her key lieutenants in the European Union's executive body.

The 55-year-old will be in charge of "cohesion and reforms" she said, adding the choice reflected Italy's importance within the 27-country bloc.