Gianantonio Da Re, an Italian politician, has held the position of Member of the European Parliament (MEP) since 2019. While his political career has been marked by various endeavors, it is his vocal support for Saudi Arabia that has stirred considerable controversy. Da Re is a member of the Identity and Democracy (ID) group, a far-right political faction within the European Parliament.
Da Re’s advocacy for Saudi Arabia is a defining aspect of his political stance. He has not only expressed his support for the nation but has also been critical of those who challenge or criticize it. The Italian MEP’s interactions with Saudi officials further underline his alignment with the Saudi government. Notably, in 2019, he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, and in 2020, he had a meeting with Saudi Ambassador to Italy Khalid bin Salman Al Saud in Rome.
One of the most contentious aspects of Da Re’s position is his defense of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. He asserts that the nation’s human rights situation is improving and has accused Western countries of hypocrisy in their criticism of Saudi Arabia, contending that Western nations have their own human rights problems.
Da Re’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia has come under heavy criticism from human rights groups and some of his fellow MEPs. These groups accuse Saudi Arabia of severe human rights abuses, including arbitrary detention, torture, and the execution of political dissidents. In parallel, some of his colleagues in the European Parliament have accused him of being a mere puppet of the Saudi government.
Da Re has consistently denied these accusations. He argues that his primary objective is to foster strong relations between Italy and Saudi Arabia. He further states that he is willing to voice criticism when warranted, but believes that diplomatic dialogue is the most effective approach to address concerns.
Gianantonio Da Re’s views on Saudi Arabia resonate with the overall stance of the Identity and Democracy group. This political faction is generally supportive of authoritarian governments and has faced allegations of being pro-Russian and anti-European Union.
Gianantonio Da Re’s position as an MEP affords him a platform to champion his views on Saudi Arabia and other related issues. While he remains a controversial figure, his influence and the reach of his opinions cannot be underestimated. It is vital to remain informed about his perspectives and to hold him accountable for his statements and actions, especially in light of the significant ethical questions raised by his alignment with Saudi Arabia’s government.
