Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made headlines last week with an unusual diplomatic move. During her visit to Albania with her family, Meloni settled a restaurant bill for four Italian tourists who had left without paying. The incident, which took place in the city of Berat on the Osum River, was brought to the attention of Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama by Meloni herself.
According to reports, Meloni responded to Rama’s concerns by instructing her ambassador to “go and pay the bill for these idiots.” The bill amounted to approximately €80, which the Italian embassy in Albania confirmed was paid using Meloni’s personal funds.
In a statement, the embassy emphasized the importance of respecting rules and paying off debts. They expressed their hope that similar incidents would not occur in the future. Francesco Lollobrigida, the Italian agriculture minister, also spoke out about the incident, stating that it was a matter of national pride for Italy. He explained that Meloni’s offer to pay the bill was a testament to the decency and integrity of the Italian people and that a few dishonest individuals should not be able to tarnish the nation’s reputation.
This act of generosity and responsibility by Italy’s Prime Minister has garnered attention both in Italy and internationally. It serves as a reminder of the values Italy upholds, despite the actions of a few individuals. Such gestures of goodwill are important for strengthening diplomatic ties and promoting a positive image of Italy abroad.