New Delhi: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni launched a sharp attack on what she termed the “liberal network,” accusing the Left of hypocrisy and “hysteria” over the rise of conservative leaders worldwide. Speaking via video link at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington DC on Saturday, Meloni praised US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance while criticising “elites” and left-wing politicians.
Meloni argued that liberals were frustrated by the success of right-wing leaders, especially after Trump’s return to the White House. “When Bill Clinton and Tony Blair created the global leftist liberal network in the 90s, they were called statesmen,” she said. “But when leaders like Trump, Milei, Modi or I speak, we are labelled threats to democracy. This double standard is nothing new, but people no longer believe their lies. Despite the mud they throw, citizens keep voting for us,” she added.
Trump’s global conservative push
Meloni described Trump as a steadfast leader committed to the global conservative movement. “The Left is nervous. Trump’s victory has turned their frustration into hysteria, not just because conservatives are winning, but because we are now collaborating globally,” she said.
As leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, Meloni was the only EU head of government to attend Trump’s inauguration in January. Her CPAC appearance drew criticism from political rivals in Italy, especially after Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist, appeared to perform a Nazi salute during the event.
Meloni faces backlash
Opposition MPs urged Meloni to cancel her participation, after Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s National Rally, who withdrew from CPAC over Bannon’s “gesture alluding to Nazi ideology.” Elly Schlein, leader of Italy’s Democratic Party, criticised Meloni for remaining silent about Trump’s remarks on Ukraine and the European Union. “She cannot defend Italian and European interests because she fears displeasing the new American administration,” Schlein said.
Meloni, however, dismissed concerns about strained transatlantic ties. “The United States and Europe will remain close under Trump,” she said, despite European anxieties over Trump’s outreach to Russia and warnings of a shift in US policy toward NATO.
