"Italy has a strong and indivisible bond with the United States, said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a speech via videoconference, which she delivered at the Conservative Political Action Conference, which is taking place on the outskirts of Washington, ANSA reported, quoted by BTA.
"Propaganda claimed that a conservative government would isolate Italy, repel investors, suppress freedoms - but these were false claims. Italy is moving forward: employment is at a record high, the economy is growing, and the influx of migrants has decreased by 60 percent. We are expanding freedoms in all aspects of life in this country,” Meloni said.
“I want to thank you because you never stopped fighting, even in the most difficult moments. You have created a global network that gives a voice to millions of people who previously could not speak“, Meloni added, addressing the forum participants.
“The Conservative Political Action Conference understood before many others that the political battle for our conservative values is not just fought in the United States - it is a battle for the entire Western world. I still believe in the Western world not only as geographical borders but also as a civilization“, she added.
“Our opponents hope that Trump will distance himself from us Europeans. I know him - he is strong and effective, and I bet we will prove them wrong. Some may see Europe as distant, remote, lost, but I tell you - that's not the case," Meloni said.
Meloni also touched on the topic of US Deputy Prime Minister J.D. Vance's speech at the Munich Security Conference. "Those who are angry about Vance's words should have shown pride before," she said.
"I am proud to be European. And if those who were outraged by Vice President Vance's remarks in Munich had shown the same pride when the EU lost its strategic autonomy, by associating itself with authoritarian regimes and because of mass immigration, we would now be living in a stronger Europe," the Italian Prime Minister said.
"I myself called on Europe to rediscover its own truth about itself, its own soul, which was sacrificed to the market of bureaucracy. Europe is not lost and will never be lost if conservatives continue the fight. If we are not sure that we can feel free and when freedom is at risk, the only thing that can be done is to entrust it to the wise, that is why conservatives are growing and why the left is angry. With Trump's victory, this anger of the left has turned into hysteria," Meloni said.
"Today I address you with the pride of representing, as President of the Italian Council of Ministers, an exceptional nation like Italy. A country with a deep and indivisible bond with the United States. And this bond is forged by history and shared principles. To this nation that inspires trust - Italy - I have dedicated all my energy. Our government is working tirelessly to restore Italy's rightful place on the international stage. We are reforming, modernizing and claiming to have a role as a global leader. We are committed to building an Italy that can still inspire admiration and amazement in the people," Meloni stressed.
"When Trump, Meloni, Milley and perhaps Modi speak, they are defined as a threat to democracy. This is the double standard of the left, but we are used to it. And the good news is that people no longer believe their lies. Despite all the mud they throw at us. Citizens will continue to vote for us because people are simply not as naive as the left thinks they are. They will vote for us because we defend freedom," Meloni added.
"The radical left wants to erase our history, undermine our identity, divide us by nation, by gender and by ideologies. But we will not let ourselves be divided, because we are only strong when we are together. And if the West cannot live without America - and here I am thinking of all those patriots fighting for freedom in Central and South America - it is because these countries would not exist without Europe," Meloni said.
Before giving this speech, Meloni had been called upon by the Italian opposition not to speak at the forum, following the example of French far-right leader Jordan Bardella, who refused to speak at the event because of an alleged Nazi salute made to her by Steve Bannon, Trump's former adviser. Bannon claims he did not make such a salute.
And on the eve of Meloni's speech, the leader of the Democratic Party (the Italian center-left) Eli Schlein accused Meloni of being unable to defend the interests of Italians and Europeans because he did not want to lose the sympathy of the new American administration.