Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly
Schlein on Friday accused Premier Giorgia Meloni of being the
United States administration's "Trojan horse" in Europe after
her interview with the Financial Times expressing understanding
of US President Donald Trump's positions and calling for calm as
the EU plans its response to his tariffs.
"Giorgia Meloni will have to explain to the Italians why she
chose Trump as her 'first ally' when the 25% US tariffs on our
goods, which will be paid by Italian companies, workers and
families, come into force on 2 April," said Schlein, the leader
of Italy's biggest opposition group.
"Giorgia Meloni is going to tell them, 'stay calm, guys, let's
be reasonable'.
"Day after day, the Meloni government is turning into the Trump
administration's Trojan horse within the European Union, into a
tool of the American oligarchs, used on our continent to do
their bidding.
"This is a serious and embarrassing for Italy, a founding member
of the Union. "This drift must be stopped, it is time to defend
our interests and our pride as Italians and Europeans.
"Giorgia Meloni has chosen to defend a national interest - the
American one.
"That of Trump and Musk. Today it is clearer than ever that she
has chosen to wear the MAGA cap, effectively lowering the
Italian and European flags from (the premier's office at)
Palazzo Chigi.
"It is a huge problem for Italy's national interest if the prime
minister chooses to agree with those who, like Vance, call
Europeans parasites, thus insulting us Italians as well, after
days of embarrassing silence".
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