Democracy is an illusion! It’s become a political system fostered by the élite, for the élite, in order to fool the people that they have a stake in the system. In actual fact, they have virtually none. The whole political system in the modern era, despite having noble beginnings, is now used to benefit the few at the expense of the many. – Mark Alexander, June 29, 2018
Mar 23, 2026 | Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s criticism of the US-Israeli war on Iran has exposed cracks in her relationship with US President Donald Trump.
She was supposed to be Europe’s ‘Trump whisperer’ but Meloni has even compared the Iran war to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Italian public opinion is firmly against being drawn into the conflict and this weekend Meloni faced a key test of her leadership with a crucial referendum on judicial reform.
So, has Meloni chosen domestic loyalty over transatlantic relations?
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Riccardo Alcaro, Head of Research of the Programme at the Istituto Affari Internazionali
Marta Grande, Former President of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the Chamber of Deputies of Italy
Amy Frederiksen, Republican Strategist
Oct 4, 2024 | Italy's Deputy Minister for Enterprises Valentino Valentini has critiqued mainstream media for labelling Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a far-right fascist, claiming Ms Meloni has “proved” the term “does not apply”.
“That was the corner where most of the mainstream media tried to place Meloni,” Mr Valentini told Sky News host Danica De Giorgio.
“Firstly, because she was an unknown figure and secondly because she comes from the right.
“Meloni has proved the term fascist does not apply.”