Finnish President Alexander Stubb appeared surprised when Donald Trump unexpectedly opened the NATO summit to the press, with the American leader then offering European leaders a chance to answer questions if they wished. In a brief, off-camera moment at the White House—captured on video by The Associated Press and reported by La Stampa—Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was first heard explaining to President Stubb that Trump “likes it, he always likes” taking questions, before adding, “I, on the other hand, never want to speak to the Italian press.”
Later, when Trump renewed his offer for questions, Meloni replied, “I think it’s better not to; we are too many and it would take too long.” These faint, off-the-cuff remarks, quoted by the Turin-based newspaper’s website, have provided ample ammunition for the Italian opposition and the Italian National Press Federation (FNSI), who are now accusing Meloni of being “averse”—a frequently used term—”to the press and democracy.”
Sandro Ruotolo, head of information for the Democratic Party (PD), stated, “Giorgia Meloni’s annoyance with journalists is not a minor point: it reveals a weak, authoritarian idea of democracy, born from a political culture we know all too well.” Angelo Bonelli of the Greens and Left Alliance (AVS) denounced that “while Trump commodifies peace, Giorgia Meloni is shirking the role journalists have in a democracy: to ask questions and demand accountability for the government’s choices.”
Nicola Fratoianni, leader of the Left (Si), escalated the criticism: “Her idea of democracy? Everyone be good and quiet, while she reveres whoever is in charge to look good.” For the 5-Star Movement, Barbara Floridia, head of the parliamentary watchdog for RAI, interpreted her “annoyance with dialogue, typical of non-democratic and illiberal leaders,” as a propensity for “one-way, purely propagandistic communication.”
+Europa Secretary Riccardo Magi awarded the Premier “the Oscar for worst protagonist” for having “confirmed in an unworthy off-air remark her total contempt for the press and freedom of information.” He added, “we have clearly understood that Meloni would prefer compliant journalists and fawning press.”
Carlo Calenda expanded on the concept on X: “The leader of a democratic country is not afraid of the press and knows it is their duty to engage with all newspapers.” Iv Senator Silvia Fregolent also weighed in: “The off-air clip with Trump is very clear: Meloni cannot handle the scrutiny of questions. A prime minister who runs from journalists is also running from the citizens.”
Alessandra Costante, FNSI General Secretary, came to the defense of journalists: “That the Prime Minister does not like journalists and questions is well known. Over the years, she has replaced press conferences with long online monologues, without debate, without questions. Propaganda, not information.”
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