Deputy Prime Minister Sends Congratulations to Trump on 'Rising Momentum in Primary'... Prime Minister Holds Talks with Biden

Matteo Salvini, Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, sent a congratulatory message on the 3rd to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been gaining momentum by winning consecutive victories in the Republican presidential primary in the United States. Salvini is considered a leading far-right politician who leads Italy's far-right party, Lega.

On the same day, Salvini said on X (formerly Twitter), "We have taken three more steps toward change at the White House," adding, "From Brussels to Washington, change is coming." This statement is interpreted as emphasizing the possibility of a power reshuffle in the upcoming European Parliament elections scheduled for June and the U.S. presidential election in November. Furthermore, it is also interpreted as a statement that effectively supports Trump, who is likely to have a rematch with Biden in the presidential election.

Matteo Salvini, Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport [Image source=Yonhap News]

Coincidentally, Salvini's message came right after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a summit with U.S. President Joe Biden. Meloni met with President Biden at the White House on the 1st.

Salvini's message drew strong criticism from the Italian opposition. Debora Serracchiani, a member of the Chamber of Deputies from the largest opposition party, the Democratic Party (PD), said, "Congratulating Trump's campaign is tantamount to expressing hatred for the interests of Italy and Europe," and criticized, "Salvini wants us to be left alone to face Putin."

Local Italian media analyzed that the government is pursuing 'balanced diplomacy' ahead of the U.S. presidential election. The Italian daily La Repubblica stated, "Italy is an ally of the United States and must cooperate with whoever is in the White House," adding, "Since Trump has a chance to win the November 5 election, Meloni should prepare for the possibility of working with him starting January 20 next year."