U.S. Time magazine spotlights Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on its latest cover, analyzing her political trajectory and vision for Europe. Washington bureau chief Massimo Calabresi authored the piece, drawing from a July 4 interview at Rome’s Chigi Palace. The article traces Meloni’s rise with Fratelli d’Italia (FdI), highlighting her emergence over the past three years as “one of Europe’s most intriguing figures.”
Meloni defines her nationalist stance as a defense of “our culture, identity, and civilization” against “a globalization that hasn’t worked.” She vows to “rebuild our identity and pride… at any cost.” Calabresi details her meticulous preparation for a recent meeting with Donald Trump, noting she arrived with briefing cards on every potential topic and maintained composure throughout. “I’m a Capricorn,” Meloni remarked. “Let’s say I fixate on certain things.”
When discussions with Trump turned to Ukraine post-press conference, Meloni “passionately defended” President Zelensky and sustained support, later describing the exchange as non-confrontational: “He’s a fighter, and I’m a fighter.”
The profile revisits Meloni’s youth, including her father’s abandonment—”He simply didn’t care about us,” states her sister Arianna—and a house fire that preceded their move to Rome’s Garbatella district. Arianna credits the blaze for giving Meloni “more courage,” shaping her resilience. Meloni quipped, “Maybe that’s why I joined the MSI—for the flame,” referencing the far-right party’s symbol.
As Italy’s first female premier, Meloni recounts facing “ridiculous stereotypes” but rejects government “quotas” to address discrimination. Initial skepticism from U.S. President Joe Biden greeted her appointment: “He simply didn’t know what he was talking about,” she asserts.
Addressing domestic criticism, Meloni dismisses accusations linking her policies to Ukraine war deaths or Mediterranean migrant fatalities as baseless: “I’m not racist. I’m not homophobic. I’m none of the things they say.”
Concluding the interview, she challenged Calabresi: “You’re an honest person. Does anything in my governance or background remind you of fascism?”