Meloni Addresses Foreign Policy at Azione Congress Amid Domestic Criticism
The Italian Prime Minister emphasizes defense unity in Europe while facing opposition from political rivals.
Giorgia Meloni, Italy's Prime Minister, delivered a notable speech at the Azione party congress on Saturday, addressing ongoing discussions regarding Italy's foreign policy and defense strategy.
She opened her remarks by clarifying misconceptions about her presence at the event, rejecting interpretations that suggested she was signaling a desire to replace her allies or pursuing a shift toward the political moderates.
Meloni emphasized her political background as rooted in open dialogue, stating that her intention was to engage in discussions without compromising her political identity.
During her address, Meloni expressed gratitude to Ursula von der Leyen for reaffirming the necessity of defending Western unity.
She pointed out that Italy’s role in Europe comes with the responsibility to uphold the unity among Western nations, particularly in light of existing divisions over trade tariffs.
Meloni acknowledged the differences with the United States surrounding tariffs, advocating for a reasoned approach rather than impulsive actions.
On the topic of defense, Meloni expressed concern over some Italian leaders calling for a break in alliances with the United States.
She remarked, "I do not understand the proposal to sever all ties with the U.S. while simultaneously expecting them to guarantee our security." She compared such sentiments to imagining Europe as a demilitarized 'hippie community' relying on good faith from foreign powers.
Elly Schlein, leader of the Democratic Party (PD), responded to Meloni's remarks, characterizing the current government as lacking a coherent foreign policy and instead focusing on attacking the opposition.
Schlein criticized the portrayal of European integration as a naive notion, advocating for enhanced strategic autonomy and a collaborative approach to address economic challenges and defense needs.
Additionally, Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, took issue with comments made by Carlo Calenda regarding the Movement.
Calenda had asserted that the only viable interaction with the Five Star Movement was to eliminate it entirely.
Conte called for respect for differing opinions regarding disarmament, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in political discourse.
The debates at this congress illustrate a significant moment in Italian politics, with discussions centered not only on external alliances and defense but also on the more contentious aspects of domestic political alignment and cooperation.
She opened her remarks by clarifying misconceptions about her presence at the event, rejecting interpretations that suggested she was signaling a desire to replace her allies or pursuing a shift toward the political moderates.
Meloni emphasized her political background as rooted in open dialogue, stating that her intention was to engage in discussions without compromising her political identity.
During her address, Meloni expressed gratitude to Ursula von der Leyen for reaffirming the necessity of defending Western unity.
She pointed out that Italy’s role in Europe comes with the responsibility to uphold the unity among Western nations, particularly in light of existing divisions over trade tariffs.
Meloni acknowledged the differences with the United States surrounding tariffs, advocating for a reasoned approach rather than impulsive actions.
On the topic of defense, Meloni expressed concern over some Italian leaders calling for a break in alliances with the United States.
She remarked, "I do not understand the proposal to sever all ties with the U.S. while simultaneously expecting them to guarantee our security." She compared such sentiments to imagining Europe as a demilitarized 'hippie community' relying on good faith from foreign powers.
Elly Schlein, leader of the Democratic Party (PD), responded to Meloni's remarks, characterizing the current government as lacking a coherent foreign policy and instead focusing on attacking the opposition.
Schlein criticized the portrayal of European integration as a naive notion, advocating for enhanced strategic autonomy and a collaborative approach to address economic challenges and defense needs.
Additionally, Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, took issue with comments made by Carlo Calenda regarding the Movement.
Calenda had asserted that the only viable interaction with the Five Star Movement was to eliminate it entirely.
Conte called for respect for differing opinions regarding disarmament, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in political discourse.
The debates at this congress illustrate a significant moment in Italian politics, with discussions centered not only on external alliances and defense but also on the more contentious aspects of domestic political alignment and cooperation.
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Translated by AI
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