Meloni Vows “Italy First” Approach in Debut Speech as PM

AMAC Exclusive – By Ben Solis

Backed by a solid majority in both the Lower House of Parliament and the Senate, Giorgia Meloni was officially sworn in as Italy’s first female prime minister last weekend. While the left-wing media in both Europe and the United States has continued to brand Meloni as a “far-right” figure, the early days of her leadership have been marked by commitments to popular reforms and the emergence of a comprehensive and optimistic vision of the future for Italy and the West.

That vision was clear during Meloni’s first speech as prime minister on Tuesday, in which she addressed lawmakers in Rome. The remarks covered policy matters like energy independence, tax reform, and illegal immigration, but also more broadly rejected the cynicism and defeatist mindset of the modern left, instead affirming the importance of family, religion, and national pride in Italian life. Instead of complaining she explained, and instead of preaching she gave advice, exchanging traditional gloom for budding positivity.

In a clear rebuke of her liberal critics, Meloni denounced far-right extremism and fascist movements that the left has attempted to associate her with. “I have never felt any affinity for anti-democratic regimes… including fascism,” she said. “The totalitarian dictatorships of the 1900s have torn apart the whole of Europe – not just Italy – for more than half a century, in a succession of horrors that has affected most European states.”

Also responding to accusations from the left that she would ignore global affairs, Meloni assured listeners that Italy would remain part of Western alliances like NATO, and affirmed her support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

Meloni next turned her attention to addressing Italy’s most serious ills, including the energy crisis, national debt, and illegal immigration. To cut the exorbitant energy costs, she promised to immediately restart natural gas extraction in Italy, along with significant investment in renewables. Before embarking on long-term projects in Africa or the Middle East, Meloni wants Italy to drill, excavate, and use all technologies available to make Italy energy independent – a feat that will require removing overzealous regulatory restraints.

Meloni reassured Italians that her government cares for the environment, but also cares for the well-being of Italian families struggling to heat their homes. She left no doubt that Italy could emerge from the drama of the crisis more robust and resilient.

On regulatory reform, Meloni promised to cut as much “red tape” as possible, reducing the number of government bureaucrats by at least 20 percent. “’Do not put obstacles for those who want to do’ will be the motto of our government,” she promised.

This deregulatory agenda was coupled with plans for a lower progressive tax rate for individuals, a flat tax for businesses, and a vigorous plan to combat tax fraud by the government. Meloni emphasized the importance of bolstering entrepreneurship and returning industry to the country.

“A job is the best welfare program,” Meloni declared at one point during the speech, decrying the growth of the welfare state that has gone along with Italy’s economic malaise. She further stated that “government needs to be present only where it is necessary,” building on other conservative economic themes that permeated her remarks. As Meloni also mentioned, the fundamentals of the Italian economy are strong, as Italy is one of the few EU states that spent less than it collected in revenue. Private savings of Italian families have exceeded the threshold of 5 trillion euros, facts illustrating solid economic fundamentals crucial for international investors

On illegal immigration, Meloni slammed the leftist notion that facilitating human smuggling is somehow “merciful,” pointing to the horrific conditions suffered by migrants as they are ferried across borders. She notably critiqued the European Union’s immigration policies, and called for an end to boats leaving North Africa in an attempt to make it to Italy – something which has led many to die at sea.

But perhaps the most important moments of Meloni’s speech came in her defense of Western Civilization, and her unapologetic declaration that Italy’s national interests and the interests of families would always be put first. She compared Italy to the Amerigo Vespucci, a wooden Italian Navy training ship that, despite its dents, has been called “the most beautiful ship in the world.” Meloni also invoked remembrances of Italy’s golden age during the Renaissance, when the country was a global hub of culture, art, and science. Far from the pessimistic outlook of so many leaders today, Meloni inspired hope that Italy could once again be the crown jewel of Europe.

Meloni also made clear her belief that Christianity and religion, along with the nuclear family, are the fundamental pillars holding up Italian society – a truth that she vowed her government will always respect. She noted that the Christian worldview had always been central to Italian public life until the last two decades. As she concluded, Meloni made reference to Saint John Paull II who, as she said, taught a fundamental truth: “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.”

Meloni closed by speaking of her own humble beginnings, calling herself an “underdog.” Aware of the unprecedented ground she stood on, Meloni paid tribute to trailblazing Italian women who had come before her, including political leaders on both the left and the right. She also made mention of Chiara Corbella Petrillo, 28 years old, who refused cancer treatment to save her child in the womb, sacrificing her own life. This, she said, was a powerful example of conservative feminism, and a model of commitment to family that all could take inspiration from.

Throughout the speech, parliamentarians erupted 70 times with applause and standing ovations. In watching the spectacle, one could not help but recall a similar message that resonated so well with another freedom-loving people an ocean away: “It’s morning again in Italy.”

Ben Solis is the pen name of an international affairs journalist, historian, and researcher.