The far-right Brothers of Italy party won the snap election with its leader Giorgia Meloni set to become the first woman prime minister in the history of the country. She is set to lead the most right-wing government since World War II, having led a conservative alliance to victory in Sunday’s election.

As news of her win broke, messages began to pour in from across the world as some expressed their admiration for Meloni while others decried the results even as world leaders expressed their commitment to working with the new government. 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote on Twitter:

“Following yesterday’s Italian elections, we are eager to work with Italy’s government on our shared goals: supporting a free and independent Ukraine, respecting human rights, and building a sustainable economic future. Italy is a vital ally, strong democracy, and valued partner.”

French president Emmanuel Macron’s office released a guarded statement saying, “As neighbours and friends, we must continue to work together. It is within Europe that we will overcome our common challenges.”

On the other hand, the leader of France’s far-right National Rally party Marine Le Pen congratulated Meloni saying that she had “resisted the threats” of an arrogant and “anti-democratic” European Union. 

The EU Commission on Monday, much like Germany said that it looked forward to engaging with the new government. “…we hope that we will have a constructive cooperation with the new Italian authorities,” spokesperson for the political union Eric Mamer said at a press briefing. 

Meanwhile, populist leaders in Europe hailed the move as a great victory. Hungarian President Viktor Orban’s political director, Balazs Orban wrote on Twitter, “Congratulations to Giorgia Meloni, Matteo Salvini and Silvio Berlusconi on the elections today! In these difficult times, we need more than ever friends who share a common vision and approach to Europe’s challenges.”

The Kremlin too, seemed pleased with Meloni’s victory. “We are ready to welcome any political forces that are able to go beyond the established mainstream, which is filled with hate for our country … and show willingness to be constructive in relations with our country, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.