FLASH
Shkruar nga PamfletiDonald Trump's statements after the G7 summit have caused strong reactions in Italy, after he claimed that Giorgia Meloni had "begged for a photo". The Italian Prime Minister has categorically denied this version, calling it untrue and unacceptable. Meanwhile, the crisis of words has ignited a diplomatic debate between Rome and Washington.
Despite the meeting and smiles exchanged during the G7 summit in Evian, US President Donald Trump has returned to criticizing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
At the end of the G7 summit and after the European Council meeting, the results of which did not fully meet Washington's expectations, especially on defense and armaments issues, Trump stated that Meloni was "probably happy" that he had spoken to him.
The American president used disparaging tones towards the Italian prime minister during an exclusive interview for the show "L'Aria che Tira" on Italian television La7.
"She's probably happy that I talked to her. I didn't have to talk to her," Trump said. "She begged me to take a picture of us together. She loved that picture so much. I might not have taken it, but I felt sorry for her."
Meloni reacted immediately, calling the American president's statements untrue.
"I am surprised. I do not understand why the president of the United States behaves in this way with his allies. It is not the first time it has happened. I only regret that he does not show the same determination towards the enemies of the West and towards the leaders with whom he is often much softer. One thing must be clear: Italy and I never beg anyone," declared Meloni.
Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned trip to Miami on June 21 and 22, calling Trump's words "serious" and "insulting" not only to the prime minister, but to all of Italy.
Meeting in Evian, France
A day after the G7 summit, Meloni declared that her relationship with Trump remained "unchanged."
Speaking about their meeting in Evian, Meloni said that "We didn't even need to clarify anything between us. There were no complaints or clashes. Donald and I have strong characters. We are two people who firmly defend the national interests of our countries. When we disagree about something, we don't need special clarifications."
Trump's statements caused immediate reactions on the Italian political scene.
The leader of the Azione party, Carlo Calenda, wrote on the X network: "Trump is a repeated liar and a political bully. I do not believe at all that Giorgia Meloni has asked him for anything. In any case, these insults must be rejected because they affect the dignity of the nation."
Democratic Party Senator Filippo Sensi expressed solidarity with Meloni, calling the US president's statements "unacceptable."
Former Prime Minister and leader of the Five Star Movement, Giuseppe Conte, also reacted to the clash.
"Italy does not deserve to be publicly humiliated in this way. I say this first as an Italian citizen and then as a politician. It is unacceptable for an ally to speak like this about our highest institutions."
Conte called for serious reflection on the event, adding that "the national interest must be above any search for photo ops or political approval."
Nicola Fratoianni, leader of the Green and Left Alliance, also harshly criticized the situation:
"I don't know whether I should be more worried about a Trump who seems unbridled or about Meloni's almost zero credibility on the international stage."
On behalf of the Italian government, the Undersecretary of the Presidency of the Council, Giovanbattista Fazzolari, spoke of "Trump's delusions towards Meloni", considering them part of a series of attacks on European leaders.
"Trump is damaging the historic relationship between the US and Europe. It is not clear whether this is happening out of conscious choice or political incompetence. In the end, he is damaging not only Europe, but also the United States itself," Fazzolari said.
Maurizio Lupi, leader of the Noi Moderati party, also called Trump's statements "unjustified and unacceptable."
"Italy does not beg for anything. Anyone who knows Giorgia Meloni knows very well that she would never beg anyone," he declared.
Excerpt from Trump's interview with La7
During the phone conversation with journalist Daniele Compatangelo, La7's correspondent at the White House, Trump was asked about the war in Ukraine and the meeting with Meloni.
When the reporter asked him about the conversation they had at the G7, Trump replied:
"What did she say when she met me?"
Journalist: “I believe she was happy to meet you and have a friend like you.”
Trump: "Maybe she was happy that I talked to her. I wasn't obligated to talk to her."
Then, when asked about the meeting, he added:
"I don't know what to tell you. He begged me to take a picture of him. He really wanted that picture. I could have not taken it, but I felt sorry for him."
Following the interview, Trump also criticized European policies on energy and immigration.
"The Europeans have got it all wrong on energy and they have got it all wrong on immigration. If they don't solve these problems, Europe will never be the same again. Immigration is a disaster, and energy, with all those wind turbines that have failed, is also a disaster."
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