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Meloni Emphasizes European Self-Defense, Firm Stance on Ukraine, and Domestic Reforms
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni underscored the necessity of European self-reliance in security matters and reaffirmed her government’s commitment to supporting Ukraine during a wide-ranging interview with Enrico Mentana on TG La7 on December 5, 2025. The Prime minister also addressed domestic issues, including planned reforms and economic challenges, while taking a pointed jab at the opposition’s leadership.
Meloni argued that Europe must prioritize its own defense capabilities, notably in light of a recent national security strategy document from the united States that has sparked debate. “Europe must understand that if it wants to be great, it must be able to defend itself,” she stated. “When you outsource security to someone else you need to know that there is a price to pay. For us this is an opportunity: an opportunity that has an economic cost, but produces political freedom.” She dismissed concerns about a deterioration in US-European relations, characterizing the American assessment as recognition of an “unavoidable historical process.”
Regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine,Meloni reiterated her government’s unwavering support for Kyiv. “The government’s line has been very clear from the beginning, we supported Ukraine to build peace,” she explained. “Peace is not built with good intentions but with deterrence. The government’s line must remain the same to build a path towards peace.”
Turning to the war in Gaza, Meloni affirmed Italy’s clear communication with Israel regarding the situation in the West Bank. “No, Italy was not shy with Israel about what happened in the West Bank,” she said, adding that she had explicitly stated at the UN General Assembly that “Israel has no right to prevent the creation of a state of Palestine or to encourage new settlements to prevent it.” She indicated Italy remains committed to recognizing a Palestinian state contingent upon the disarmament of Hamas and its removal from governance in Gaza, aligning with a parliamentary resolution. “The Italian efforts are aimed at implementing Trump’s plan which is complex but is an opportunity that may not return,” she added.
Domestically, Meloni addressed planned reforms, including changes to the separation of careers and the introduction of a premiership system.”The government remains in office untill the end of the legislature, though it will go to the referendum,” she stated, advising citizens to evaluate the proposed rules on their merits. She defended the premiership proposal, arguing it would “put power back in the hands of citizens and guarantees stability to governments,” and highlighted the economic costs of political instability in the decade preceding her administration – estimated at 265 billion euros in increased debt interest.
the Prime Minister also responded to a recent political face-off with Elly Schlein, the leader of the Democratic Party, at the Atreju event. “I have declared several times my willingness to confront the leader of the opposition, when they tell me who he is…” Meloni remarked, subtly challenging the clarity of leadership within the opposition.
Addressing concerns about wage stagnation, Meloni acknowledged the need for betterment but pointed to her government’s budgetary priorities. “To have more money, of course we could have done more, but in the same year in which I pass a budget law worth 18.7 billion euros, I pay 40 billion in Superbonuses,” she explained, emphasizing her focus on increasing salaries despite financial constraints. When pressed on potential regrets, Meloni stated she has consistently acted according to her convictions and the needs of the Italian people. “The advantage of those who arrive at the government as we have arrived, is that when you must not say thank you to anyone other than the citizens you can only reply to them,” she concluded. “I have always tried to make decisions with common sense, we can do better but at least physically I couldn’t have done more…”
Did you know?-Italy’s superbonus scheme, launched in 2020, offered generous tax credits for energy efficiency and seismic upgrades to buildings. It aimed to stimulate the economy but created meaningful public debt.
Pro tip:-the “separation of careers” reform Meloni discussed aims to decouple judges’ and prosecutors’ career paths,possibly increasing judicial independence.
