Meloni tells The New York Times: I expected an easier relationship with Trump, but reality was different

In an interview with The New York Times, Giorgia Meloni said she had expected a smoother relationship with Donald Trump because of their shared positions on immigration and “woke” culture. However, she said events did not develop in that direction.

The Italian prime minister stressed that, despite this, she continues to regard the unity of the West as an essential issue. Meloni also said that Italy’s national strategy is not determined by her personal relationships.

Meloni emphasized that she follows certain principles of her own in her dealings with others. “My first rule is never to say something I do not believe. No one can force me to act differently,” she said, describing this stance as an important factor that has helped her remain prime minister for nearly four years.

Asked about the twenty-year period of fascist dictatorship, the head of the Italian government described it as a “clearly complex” phase.

According to Meloni, assessments of that period vary depending on one’s perspective. She said that if the events had been experienced directly by us, perceptions might be different from those formed today.

Speaking about her political journey and her dominant victory in the 2022 parliamentary elections, Meloni said she reached this point after having the courage to choose the more difficult side of history and not follow the prevailing trend. “Perhaps I was the right person at the right time,” she concluded.