Italian PM Giorgia Meloni Asserts Independence Amid Friendship With Elon Musk

Meloni defends her relationship with Musk, emphasizing that her leadership decisions remain uninfluenced by the tech billionaire's business interests.

Giorgia Meloni, Italy's Prime Minister, stated during a parliamentary session that her friendship with Elon Musk does not affect her policy decisions.
Meloni highlighted her government's approval of a framework for foreign space companies, including Musk's SpaceX, to operate in Italy, potentially generating €7.3 billion in investments by 2026.
She criticized previous Italian leaders for compromising national sovereignty in their relationships with foreign powers, asserting her administration's independence.
Meloni and Musk have met frequently since her government came to power in 2022, with discussions focusing on boosting Italy's space sector and attracting foreign investment.
Viral speculation about a romantic relationship between Meloni and Musk was denied, with both emphasizing the professional nature of their interactions.