Tommaso Foti, a native of Piacenza born in 1960, has been appointed as the new Minister for European Affairs in Giorgia Meloni’s government. Currently the leader of Fratelli d’Italia in the Chamber of Deputies and a trusted advisor to Meloni, Foti succeeds Raffaele Fitto, who recently assumed the role of Vice President of the European Commission, overseeing Reforms and Cohesion. Foti will formally swear in before the President of the Republic at 12:15 PM, accompanied by Prime Minister Meloni, who managed the transition personally. His portfolio encompasses crucial responsibilities, including EU relations, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), and development policies for Southern Italy.
The appointment aligns with prior expectations, maintaining the integrity of the ministry’s responsibilities without any division of duties. Meloni prioritized selecting a political figure loyal to Fratelli d’Italia, effectively dismissing potential alternatives from Forza Italia and the broader center-right coalition, such as Maurizio Lupi. Fitto is scheduled to return to Palazzo Chigi on Thursday for his first official visit in his new capacity, where he will be greeted by Foti. With Foti’s transition, the position of Fratelli d’Italia’s parliamentary leader in the Chamber remains vacant, with Marco Osnato among the likely candidates to fill the role.
Osnato was quick to endorse Foti’s promotion, highlighting his qualifications: “Meloni has once again chosen the right person. Foti brings indisputable authority, exceptional experience, and a profound understanding of parliamentary and administrative mechanisms, both in Italy and the EU. His leadership will undoubtedly make a significant impact on PNRR management and other critical dossiers.”
