The EU has "tools" to respond if the political situation in Italy has gone in a "difficult direction," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. She hinted that the country could face penalties like those recently imposed against Hungary and Poland if the upcoming elections lead to a right-wing strike forecast. "My approach is that whatever the democratic government wants to work with us, we work together," she said in response to a question about whether "concerns" about the Italian parliamentary vote on Sunday, in which the conservatives from Fratelli d'Italia (Brothers of Italy) are expected to take first place, are valid. place. "If they all went in a difficult direction, I was talking about Hungary and Poland, we have the means," von der Leyen explained. While European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer was quick to clarify that Von Der Leyen was simply "emphasizing the Commission's role as the guardian of European contracts in terms of legality," not everyone interpreted her words that way. Matteo Salvini, leader of the League party, condemned Von Der Leyen's "pubic arrogance" and called on the EU to "respect the free, democratic and sovereign movement of the Italian people". According to the latest opinion polls, earlier this month his party will expect to receive 12% of the vote. Earlier this month, the AK recommended stopping 7.5 billion euros in funding for Hungary, a third of the money it receives from Brussels, due to an alleged "erosion of legitimacy". Brussels may have imposed a similar penalty on Poland last year, after the country's constitutional court ruled that some Polish laws take precedence over the EU. Italy's pre-scheduled parliamentary election was triggered by the resignation of Prime Minister Mario Draghi in July, after his ruling coalition partners left him. According to opinion polls, Fratelli d'Italia will take 25% of the vote. In addition to 12% of the League, partner Forza Italia is expected to collect 8%, which means that victory for the conservative bloc is guaranteed. Fratelli d'Italia won only 4% of the vote in 2018. https://obektivno.bg/ursula-fon-der-lajen-zaplashi-i-italiya-ako-tragne-v-trudna-posoka/