Italy's far-right political faction backs the former U.S. President's decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization.
The far-right League party in Italy has expressed support for former U.S. President
Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).
This development signals a broadening of support for Trump's previous stance within European political circles.
The WHO, an agency of the United Nations responsible for public health coordination, has faced criticism from various countries regarding its handling of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump's administration argued that the organization had mismanaged the crisis and exhibited a bias towards China.
In recent remarks, the League party leader, Matteo Salvini, echoed Trump's criticisms, emphasizing the need for reform within international institutions such as the WHO.
Salvini's comments mirror broader skepticism from various political factions in Europe who have questioned the WHO's effectiveness during global health emergencies.
The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, initiated by Trump in July 2020, was reversed by his successor, President
Joe Biden, in early 2021. Biden's administration cited the importance of global cooperation and the role of the WHO in combating the pandemic as reasons for rejoining the organization.
This development comes amidst a backdrop of international discourse on the reform and accountability of global institutions.
Countries worldwide are grappling with the ongoing impacts of the
COVID-19 pandemic, leading to renewed discussions on how best to improve global health governance.
Salvini's support for Trump's actions highlights the continued polarization over the role of international organizations in national and global health crises.