The joint letter signed by the Prime Ministers of Italy and Denmark, Giorgia Meloni and Mette Frederiksen, in favor of creating deportation centers for immigrants in third countries is the latest episode of how European division and internal interests are eroding the European Union and turning migration policy into a political battleground between different European governments. Aside from the fact that it is deeply striking that the social democrat Frederiksen adopts the entire discourse of the extreme right on migration, from linking it to crime and sexual assault to the need to protect Christian culture, it is evident that this is a skillful move by Meloni in her confrontation with the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, following the Ceuta crisis and the decision by Rome – and later Madrid – to impose border controls on their respective citizens.

Giorgia Meloni and Mette Frederiksen, two European prime ministers seemingly at political antipodes, are showcasing their common front against "uncontrolled immigration" in the European Union in a joint message released this Monday on social media, in which they call for a tougher stance and advocate for the creation of repatriation centers in third countries. The two leaders emphasize that they have led a strict migratory policy, both in their countries and across Europe, with the argument that "no one can deny that illegal immigration has a negative impact" on European societies: "Increased crime rates, increased pressure on public services, and erosion of public trust."

Denmark's Social Democratic Party, led by acting Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, won Tuesday's general election, though it failed to secure an absolute majority for the left-wing (red) bloc after suffering a significant setback. With only 21.9% of the vote and 38 seats, the party achieved its worst results since 1901. In the 2022 election, Frederiksen, in power since 2019, won 50 seats and 27.54% of the vote. Despite the setback, the candidate seeking reelection managed to reverse a trend in the polls, which had seen her support plummet to 16%. Her strongest ally was Donald Trump and his ambition to annex Greenland by forceFrederiksen has displayed a profile of a strong stateswoman, sending troops and medical supplies to the island and positioning herself as the defender of Danish sovereignty against what many have described as "bullying" by the United States. It was in this favorable context that she called the early elections. But voters have created a highly fragmented Folketinget (the Danish Parliament). The gap between the traditional left-wing and right-wing blocs is only seven seats (84 to 77), in a quarter where an absolute majority is 90. "I have been responsible for this wonderful country for almost seven years," Frederiksen said when she appeared before her supporters in the early hours of the morning. "I am still ready to take on the responsibility as Prime Minister of Denmark," she affirmed. The Moderates hold the key to forming a government.

The key to who will form the government, however, lies with Els Moderats, a small centrist party that won 14 seats, two fewer than in the last parliamentary elections. Led by the outgoing Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, former Prime Minister (2015-2019), it continues to maintain its position of kingmakerRasmussen retains the ability to tip the balance to the left or right.

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