The Only European Leader Invited to Trump's Inauguration
Stands Out for Her Approachable Attitude and Friendly Communication Style
One of the most talked-about moments at the European Political Community (EPC) summit was when the Albanian Prime Minister, who stands over 2 meters tall, knelt down to welcome Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is 157 cm tall.
At that time, Prime Minister Rama greeted Prime Minister Meloni as she walked along the red carpet toward the summit venue by setting down his umbrella, kneeling on one knee, and bringing his hands together in a gesture reminiscent of prayer.
Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, is welcoming Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, who attended the European Political Community (EPC) summit held in Tirana, Albania. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
Upon seeing this, Prime Minister Meloni laughed and said, "Edi, don't," trying to stop him, and the two leaders soon greeted each other with a hug. Meloni explained to the photographers, "He just wanted to match my height."
On the 20th, Yonhap News reported on Meloni's 'soft power,' highlighting how she has shown a friendly and approachable attitude with world leaders.
In fact, British daily The Times published a report on the 20th (local time) titled "Giorgia Meloni's Soft Power - Flirting." The article stated that "most world leaders are trying to get closer to her," and pointed to her conversational style that wins over others as the reason.
The report also mentioned that in September last year, when Meloni attended the 13th World Citizen Award ceremony in New York as a recipient, she was seen sharing a warm moment with Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla. Musk described Meloni as "a person whose inner beauty far exceeds her outward appearance," while Meloni responded by calling Musk "a precious genius."
Some affectionate moments, such as the two making eye contact, led Musk to clarify on X (formerly Twitter) that "there is absolutely no romantic relationship with Prime Minister Meloni." Meloni has also maintained a close relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Last December, Trump called Meloni "a fantastic leader and person," and in January of this year, she was the only European leader invited to his presidential inauguration.
She was also selected as one of "the most influential people in Europe" by Politico Europe. Fabio Rampelli, a member of the Chamber of Deputies from the ruling Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, said, "Prime Minister Meloni's sense of humor and ability to joke are very 'Roman' in nature," adding, "She has an irresistible charm that opens people's hearts through self-deprecating humor."
Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, visiting Mar-a-Lago Resort in Florida, USA, where Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, has his residence, on January 4 (local time). Photo by EPA and Yonhap News
Not all leaders maintain a good relationship with Prime Minister Meloni. French President Emmanuel Macron is a prime example. At the G7 summit hosted by Italy in June last year, Macron and Meloni clashed directly over the inclusion of abortion rights in the draft joint statement. At the G7 leaders' welcome dinner, Meloni greeted Macron with a cold demeanor.
Meanwhile, Giorgia Meloni is leading the fifth-longest-serving cabinet in the history of the Italian Republic. She is regarded as a strong leader who has demonstrated powerful governance by firmly responding to internal and external challenges, based on her tough immigration policies and conservative values.
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