Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni looks on during her end-of-year press conference in Rome, Italy, January 9, 2025. REUTERS/Remo Casilli
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni Defends Elon Musk’s Political Engagement Amid Starlink Deal Talks
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended Elon Musk’s growing political involvement on Thursday, addressing concerns about potential interference as the billionaire deepens his role in European politics. Meloni also denied discussing a prospective contract with Musk’s SpaceX to supply secure communications to Italy, a proposal facing scrutiny from opposition parties.
Evaluating Starlink for Italian Communications
The Italian government is reportedly considering a five-year, €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) contract with SpaceX’s Starlink system to secure communications for government officials, diplomats, and defense personnel operating across the Mediterranean.
- National Interest First: Meloni emphasized that any decision on foreign investments, including SpaceX, would prioritize Italy’s national interest, independent of personal or political ties. “I have never personally spoken with Elon Musk about these matters,” she clarified during a lengthy press conference.
- Current Limitations: With no Italian or EU alternatives available until the EU’s IRIS2 satellite constellation is fully operational in 2030, Meloni framed the decision as a choice between suboptimal scenarios: “Either we talk to a private company, or we do not protect this data.”
Opposition Criticism
Opposition parties have criticized the potential reliance on Musk’s company, raising concerns over entrusting sensitive communications to a private entity closely associated with the politically polarizing figure.
Meloni dismissed these concerns, questioning whether the criticism stemmed from SpaceX’s private status or Musk’s political views. “We are simply in the investigative phase,” she noted, defending the government’s cautious approach.
Musk’s Role in European Politics
Musk, an ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, has drawn international attention for his active engagement in European political discourse. Recently, he endorsed Germany’s far-right AfD party and criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, actions that have sparked debate about his influence.
Meloni defended Musk’s right to express his opinions: “I do not see this danger to democracy. Elon Musk is a very well-known and wealthy person who expresses his ideas.”
Balancing Strategic Needs and Political Concerns
The potential deal with SpaceX highlights Italy’s strategic dilemma in protecting sensitive communications while lacking domestic or European solutions. As the government evaluates the Starlink proposal, the decision will likely weigh heavily on Italy’s security needs versus political and public concerns about Musk’s expanding influence.
The discussions underscore broader questions about balancing national security with the risks of private sector involvement, especially when tied to politically controversial figures.
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