Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein on Friday accused Premier Giorgia Meloni of being the United States administration's "Trojan horse" in Europe after her interview with the Financial Times expressing understanding of US President Donald Trump's positions and calling for calm as the EU plans its response to his tariffs.
"Giorgia Meloni will have to explain to the Italians why she chose Trump as her 'first ally' when the 25% US tariffs on our goods, which will be paid by Italian companies, workers and families, come into force on 2 April," said Schlein, the leader of Italy's biggest opposition group.
"Giorgia Meloni is going to tell them, 'stay calm, guys, let's be reasonable'.
"Day after day, the Meloni government is turning into the Trump administration's Trojan horse within the European Union, into a tool of the American oligarchs, used on our continent to do their bidding.
"This is a serious and embarrassing for Italy, a founding member of the Union. "This drift must be stopped, it is time to defend our interests and our pride as Italians and Europeans.
"Giorgia Meloni has chosen to defend a national interest - the American one.
"That of Trump and Musk. Today it is clearer than ever that she has chosen to wear the MAGA cap, effectively lowering the Italian and European flags from (the premier's office at) Palazzo Chigi.
"It is a huge problem for Italy's national interest if the prime minister chooses to agree with those who, like Vance, call Europeans parasites, thus insulting us Italians as well, after days of embarrassing silence". (see related).
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