Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the “liberal network” at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, accusing the Left of hypocrisy and “hysteria” regarding the rise of conservative leaders like Donald Trump. She argued that liberal frustration has grown with the resurgence of right-wing politics, labeling their response to figures like herself and Modi as a double standard. Meloni praised Trump as a steadfast ally for global conservatives while facing backlash in Italy for her CPAC participation, especially after Steve Bannon’s controversial gesture. Despite opposition, Meloni asserted the strength of the transatlantic partnership.
New Delhi:
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni launched a fierce critique of what she refers to as a “liberal network,” accusing the Left of hypocrisy and reacting with “hysteria” to the global rise of conservative leaders. Speaking through a video link at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington DC on Saturday, PM Meloni commended US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance while taking aim at what she labeled as “elites” and left-wing politicians.
PM Meloni contended that liberals are becoming increasingly exasperated with the emergence of right-wing leaders, especially following President Trump’s return to the White House.
“When Bill Clinton and Tony Blair established the global leftist liberal network in the 90s, they were celebrated as statesmen,” she stated. “Today, when Trump, Meloni, (Javier) Milei, or perhaps (Narendra) Modi speak, they are depicted as a threat to democracy. This exemplifies the Left’s double standard, but we have grown accustomed to it. The positive development is that people are no longer swayed by their falsehoods. Despite all the slander they direct at us, citizens continue to support us,” PM Meloni asserted.
The Italian leader characterized President Trump as a steadfast figure who would remain aligned with global conservatives, even amidst external challenges.
“The Left is anxious, and with Trump’s victory, their irritation has escalated into hysteria. This is not only due to conservative victories, but also because conservatives are now collaborating on a global scale,” she claimed.
As the leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, PM Meloni was the sole EU head of government present at President Trump’s inauguration in January.
PM Meloni’s decision to speak at CPAC encountered significant backlash from her political opponents in Rome. The controversy heightened after Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist, seemingly made a Nazi salute during the conference this week.
Opposition MPs urged PM Meloni to withdraw from her participation, following the example set by Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s National Rally (RN) party, who opted out of CPAC due to what he termed Bannon’s “gesture alluding to Nazi ideology.”
Elly Schlein, leader of Italy’s center-left Democratic Party, was among those calling for PM Meloni to distance herself from the event. “She should have the decency to dissociate from this neo-fascist gathering,” Ms. Schlein remarked. “She has remained silent for days regarding Trump’s insults and direct attacks on Ukraine and the European Union. She cannot defend Italian and European interests because she fears upsetting the new American administration.”
In addressing worries about the strained relations between the United States and its European allies, PM Meloni affirmed that the transatlantic partnership remains robust. “The United States and Europe will maintain close ties under Trump,” she stated.
PM Meloni’s comments arise amid concerns in Europe regarding President Trump’s diplomatic engagement with Russia and his warnings about a potential shift in US policy toward Europe, particularly in relation to NATO.