 "Italy PM Meloni furious as critics label Musk as ‘monster’ for backing the ‘wrong side’")
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has slammed Elon Musk’s critics for calling him a “monster”, in a further show of admiration for the Tesla CEO who she met recently. Meloni and Musk’s friendship has blossomed ever since the X owner was elevated into a member of incoming US President Donald Trump’s team.
In an interview with Corriere Della Sera, the Italian prime minister said that people are labelling Musk a “monster” because he supports what others call the “wrong side”. “It makes you smile quite a lot when those who until yesterday exalted Musk as a genius and today instead paint him as a monster, only because he chose the side considered “wrong” of the barricade. I have always not reasoned this way,” she said.
When asked if she considers Musk her friend, Meloni said, “We are definitely two people who have a great relationship. Elon Musk is a brilliant man and it is always very interesting to talk to him,” adding that the Tesla CEO has a “great personality” and is an “extraordinary innovator”.
Meloni’s remarks about the Tesla CEO have sparked speculation that she could act as a distinctive bridge between Europe and the incoming US administration.
Earlier this week, Musk said he was ready to provide Italy with secure communication services. Meloni has developed a strong relationship with Musk, a close ally of incoming US President Donald Trump, and Rome is evaluating potential supply accords with the tech billionaire’s Starlink business, part of his SpaceX company.
Italy is considering using Starlink services to boost Internet penetration in remote areas in response to slow progress in public-funded fibre rollout programmes.
In October, the foreign ministry said Italy was also evaluating using Starlink systems to enhance communications for Italian diplomats and defence officials operating in risky areas across the Mediterranean.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsWith inputs from agencies
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
