Giorgia Meloni’s Bold Remarks on Smoking and International Diplomacy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently made headlines with a humorous yet revealing comment about her smoking habit during an international summit in Egypt. The remarks came during a lighthearted exchange with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has pledged to make Turkey smoke-free.
During the meeting, Erdoğan jokingly challenged Meloni about her smoking, saying, “You look great. But I have to make you stop smoking.” The comment sparked laughter from other leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. In response, Meloni quipped, “It’s impossible. I don’t want to kill somebody.”
This exchange highlights the informal and sometimes playful nature of high-level diplomatic discussions. Meloni, who is known for her strong political stance, has also been open about her personal habits. She revealed in a recent book that she had resumed smoking after quitting 13 years ago. She even joked that cigarettes helped her connect with foreign leaders, including Tunisian President Kais Saied.
Trump’s Unconventional Praise for Meloni
The summit also saw former US President Donald Trump offering his trademark praise for Meloni. After addressing Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, Trump remarked on the political risks of calling a woman “beautiful” in the US. However, he didn’t hold back when it came to Meloni.
“I’m not allowed to say it because usually it’s the end of your political career if you say it. She’s a beautiful young woman!” Trump said, gesturing toward Meloni. He added, “Now if you use the word beautiful in the United States about a woman, that’s the end of your political career, but I’ll take my chances!”
Trump went on to praise Meloni’s leadership, calling her “incredible” and noting the respect she receives in Italy. His comments were met with mixed reactions, highlighting the polarizing nature of his public statements.
Italy’s Role in Middle East Diplomacy
Beyond the light-hearted moments, Meloni used the summit to address more serious issues. She emphasized Italy’s growing openness to recognizing a Palestinian state, provided a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is implemented. “Clearly, if the plan is implemented, Italy’s recognition of Palestine will certainly be closer,” she stated.
Meloni also announced Italy’s readiness to contribute to stabilizing Gaza, potentially through the deployment of Italian Carabinieri under a UN mandate. “Italy is ready to do its part,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity. It’s a historic day. I’m proud that Italy is here.”
Her comments reflect a shift in Italy’s approach to the Middle East, aligning more closely with international efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Strengthening Ties with the US
Meloni has consistently worked to strengthen ties between Italy and the US, positioning herself as a key mediator between the EU and the US on various issues, including trade and the war in Ukraine. Her close relationship with the Trump administration has been notable, particularly given the broader geopolitical landscape.
However, this alignment has raised questions about whether Meloni is risking her country’s relationships with European leaders. Some analysts wonder if her refusal to take sides between Trump and European allies could affect Italy’s standing in the region.
Controversies and Political Risks
Meloni’s actions have not gone unnoticed. Recent controversies, such as her eye-roll at German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a high-stakes meeting in Washington, have drawn attention. Additionally, her handling of international issues has led to speculation about whether she is risking her political career over high-stakes controversies.
As she continues to navigate complex diplomatic landscapes, Meloni’s decisions will likely shape Italy’s role on the global stage. Whether her bold approach will pay off remains to be seen.
