Meloni: I have never been anti-American, the West is stronger when it stands united

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that her convictions have not changed over the years and that she has never held anti-American views, as she consistently believes in the importance of Western unity.

In an interview with the Mediaset television group, she stressed that stable relationships are built on honesty and that she continues to hold the same positions she has expressed before.

“I did not take an anti-American stance today, nor was I submissive yesterday. I am a person who believes that the West is stronger when it is united,” Meloni said.

She also spoke about the statements of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding the launch of hundreds of aircraft from NATO’s Sigonella base in Sicily during Operation “Epic Fury.”

According to her, the number of flights mentioned by Rutte was lower compared with previous years and related to activities envisaged under existing agreements, without an aggressive nature.

“Those were flights that are part of the activities for which the relevant authorization was granted. These are not operations of an aggressive nature. Information was given that could be misinterpreted, as also happened by the Iranian authorities. We need to be more careful,” she said.

Turning to developments in Italy’s domestic politics, Meloni also commented on the election of the next President of the Republic, which is expected to be held in 2029.

She suggested that, for the first time, the tradition of electing a president backed by the center-left could be broken.

“It is not impossible for this great taboo to be overcome as well, namely the election of a President of the Republic who will not be from the center-left,” the Italian prime minister said.