During an appearance on the Italian television show Porta a Porta hosted by Bruno Vespa, the President of the Council touched on various topics. She focused primarily on the issue of the premierate, criticizing the left and their proposal for a chancellorship. She accused the left of betraying their true intentions, suggesting that they prefer a system where governments are formed behind closed doors. She emphasized the importance of direct election of the head of government as a way for citizens to have a say in who governs them. She also expressed her openness to introducing direct election of the President of the Republic, emphasizing the need for accountability to the citizens.
Regarding the electoral law, the President stated that she is open to the idea of a runoff election, but her main priority is to push through a reform that she considers her legacy to the Italian people. On the topic of Europe, Meloni did not commit to supporting Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as President of the European Commission. She explained that von der Leyen is the candidate of the European People’s Party (PPE), while she belongs to the European Conservatives, who may have a different candidate. Meloni’s objective is to change the majority in Europe by bringing a center-right majority to Brussels. She made it clear that she is not open to any structural agreements with the left and that her focus is on uniting the center-right front to achieve this goal.
Meloni also briefly touched on the case of Ilaria Salis, a controversial issue that has garnered attention in Italy. She stated that seeing Salis in handcuffs as she entered court had an impact on her, as they are not accustomed to such practices in Italy. She noted that this treatment is part of how the Hungarian legal system operates, and while the Italian government can advocate for proper treatment of its citizens abroad, it cannot interfere with the judicial process in another country. Meloni warned against the left’s politicization of Salis’s case, emphasizing the importance of working quietly behind the scenes to advocate for fair treatment without jeopardizing any potential positive outcome.
Overall, Meloni’s appearance on Porta a Porta shed light on her views on key political issues such as the premierate, electoral reform, and the future of Europe. She positioned herself as a proponent of direct democracy and accountability to citizens, advocating for a system where the people have a say in who governs them. Her reluctance to commit to supporting von der Leyen for a second term showed her commitment to maintaining independence from the PPE and pursuing a center-right majority in Europe. Meloni’s comments on Ilaria Salis’s case highlighted her belief in quiet diplomacy and respect for the legal processes of other countries while advocating for fair treatment of Italian citizens abroad. Her presence on the show showcased her firm stance on key political issues and her strategic approach to achieving her goals.
