Overview

• Opposition leaders, including Bersani, Schlein, and Renzi, claim Giorgia Meloni’s government has abandoned Italy’s traditional diplomatic role and left the country sidelined in key international discussions.
• Meloni missed the Tirana ‘volenterosi’ summit, citing opposition to troop deployment in Ukraine, a claim disputed by French President Macron, who stated the talks focused on peace and security guarantees.
• Elly Schlein criticized Meloni for putting Italy ‘on the sidelines,’ highlighting the country’s absence from critical Ukraine negotiations and upcoming EU-US discussions involving Donald Trump.
• Matteo Renzi described Italy’s diplomatic position as downgraded to ‘serie B’ under Meloni’s leadership and urged her to re-engage with major international efforts.
• Angelo Bonelli accused Meloni of prioritizing ties with Trump over Italy’s broader foreign policy interests, alleging economic concessions on gas and arms purchases.