Italian
The press conference of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed multiple topics, responding to journalists’ questions
ROME. Premier Giorgia Meloni opened the year with a press conference addressing key issues on the government’s political agenda. Among the main topics were communication security and discussions with SpaceX, immigration management including the plan for centers in Albania, constitutional reforms, and the situation of Italian prisons. Meloni also responded to questions about Elisabetta Belloni’s resignation from DIS, expressing esteem and recognition for her work, and announcing the new head of intelligence. On the international front, discussions included relations with Ukraine and cooperation with Greece, as well as managing domestic policy within the European context. Finally, the Premier emphasized legislative priorities, including reforms to the premiership and judiciary, while acknowledging that approval timelines could extend. Here are the main points of her speech.
SpaceX and Communication Security
Meloni denied the rumors about a signed contract with SpaceX for managing the country’s sensitive communications. “There are no signed agreements: we are in the investigative phase,” she said, explaining that the proposals will be evaluated solely in the perspective of national interest. The Prime Minister also emphasized the lack of public alternatives in Europe for similar technologies: “The issue is not SpaceX per se, but the absence of public options that ensure security.”
Resignation of Elisabetta Belloni
Responding to doubts about the resignation of the now former head of the DIS, Meloni explained: “Elisabetta Belloni chose to anticipate the end of her term to avoid controversies related to appointments. My relationship with her remains unchanged.” He announced the appointment of Vittorio Rizzi as the new head of intelligence.
Constitutional reforms: premiership and justice
Meloni reiterated the Government’s priority in advancing the reforms of the premiership and the judiciary. “The goal is to ensure stability to governments and free justice from the burden of politics,” she explained. While hoping that the confirmatory referendums could be held in this legislature, the Prime Minister acknowledged that parliamentary timescales could be extended.
Immigration and centers in Albania
Asked about the future of migrant centers in Albania, Meloni declared that they are ready to start operating, reaffirming the government’s right to define safe countries. “We cannot ignore national security,” she stated, emphasizing the 60% decrease in landings in the last few months.
International Politics: Ukraine and Relations with Greece
On support to Ukraine, the Prime Minister emphasized that Italy supports every option that respects the will of the Ukrainian government: “A just peace is the one that Ukraine considers as such”. She then announced an intergovernmental summit with Greece on February 9 in Rome, where issues such as security and civil protection will be discussed.
The issue of prisons
Regarding the proposal of an amnesty to solve the problem of overcrowding in prisons, Meloni has ruled out this path, instead focusing on increasing the available spaces. “A serious country adjusts the capacity of prisons to the needs, it does not empty the cells,” she said, announcing the creation of 7,000 new spaces by 2025.
Giorgia Meloni’s press conference highlighted a Government determined to pursue its priorities, keeping national interest at the center of the narrative and addressing complex challenges. The Prime Minister provided detailed answers on a range of topics spanning from communication security to constitutional reforms, touching on international politics and immigration management.
However, some issues that need to be addressed are emerging. The trust placed in private entities for sensitive technologies, as in the case of SpaceX, highlights a lack of public alternatives that Meloni herself has pointed out. Even the management of migrant centers in Albania seems to be an innovative choice but not without political and legal implications.
Overall, the Premier has shown a coherent and action-oriented vision, demonstrating a clear understanding of the main goals of his Government. The success of these initiatives will depend on the ability to translate the strategy into tangible results, maintaining a balance between pragmatism and political sensitivity.
