Meloni and the polls, “there is no sign”. The NY Times shatters the dreams of Schlein and Conte | Libero Quotidiano.it

More than an interview, the New York Times with Giorgia Meloni is a journey into the political evolution of the Italian right. And what a journey, acknowledges the quintessential liberal daily: «From the uncomfortable side of history to the threshold of leading the longest-lasting government in post-war Italy». A milestone that will be reached, the Nyt reminds readers, on September 4.

Read more Meloni defends Siena, but stay out of the risiko. Pd in tilt over the banks | Libero Quotidiano.it

Waiting for next year’s elections, another goal has been achieved, acknowledges Roger Cohen, the head of the newspaper’s Paris office who met the Italian Prime Minister at Palazzo Chigi: the improvised, insecure, and fearful little Italy of the past is no more. Rome has gained «a key position in the changing European politics».

Thanks to the «stability» achieved «under the leadership of Mrs. Meloni». Just a couple of data points are enough to get the idea, writes the Nyt: since she has been leading the executive, «France has had six governments and Great Britain three prime ministers».

THE TYCOON ISSUE

There is one tooth, however, worth pulling out immediately: the complicated relationship with Donald Trump. The Nyt holds opposite positions compared to the tycoon, but acknowledges that between Meloni and the Republican president there were all the premises for a favorable relationship. Instead, it is not going that way, the daily recalls retracing all the friction occasions. «It is evident that with Donald Trump I thought things would be easier, given our convergence on immigration and woke culture. Things went differently,» admits the Prime Minister. To the point that she and Trump «have not spoken for several weeks». And the thaw is not in sight, since Meloni, when asked if after the summer break there will be contact with the White House number one, simply replies: «Well, we’ll see». Door slightly ajar.

After all, even the strength in standing up to the most important ally can be traced back to the strategy Meloni has pursued since leading the government: overcoming the image of a country pardon a «nation» that bows its head. «I don’t like the idea of a submissive Italy, an Italy that considers itself inferior to others». And this applies to Emmanuel Macron, to the Spaniard Pedro Sánchez, and indeed to Trump. Her goal, the premier reveals to the Nyt, is to achieve «the greatest revolution that can happen in this nation: a revolution of pride». Ideally, it is the follow-up to the famous «Italy, and I, never beg» with which Meloni responded to Trump’s words about begging to take a photo with him. «I do not decide Italian strategy based on my personal relationships». A message in a bottle to all allies, Washington included: whatever the state of relations with leaders, this does not influence the pursuit of national interest.
At the beginning of the interview, the premier reveals that her favorite word is «courage».

Read more Enrico Mentana slams Schlein: «Nothing, there is nothing» | Libero Quotidiano.it

So it is no surprise that Meloni proudly claims that Italy is no longer the «spare wheel of France and Germany», but now sits «at the table of those who decide the direction», for example on immigration policies. The perfect example is the recent standoff with Spain after the influx of migrants to Ceuta: «The clash demonstrated Mrs. Meloni’s influence in pushing Europe to the right». A topic, moreover, on which the premier returned yesterday with a post on Facebook attacking the PD secretary, Elly Schlein: «She talks about a boomerang and an alleged failure. But before making propaganda it would be useful to know the difference between the issues being discussed».

With the Nyt, Meloni looks ahead to next year’s political elections. «There is no sign that her support is collapsing», observes the daily with an eye on polls that see Brothers of Italy enjoying support higher than that gained in 2022. Also because on the other side there is «a divided left» that «does not have a leader of her caliber».

THE ECONOMIC FIGURES

Speaking of which: in the article Cohen also reports a remark from Schlein, who regarding the upcoming record of the longest-lasting government in the history of the republic, objects that «stability can be a value, but when it becomes immobility, people do not forgive». Meloni «answers sharply», notes Cohen. In the sense that facing the interviewer she «lists a long series of parameters» on employment, inflation, irregular migrant landings, healthcare spending, and market spread to demonstrate that she is about to present voters with a better Italy than the one inherited in 2022: «Tell me if they haven’t improved!» (the data, obviously). Indeed, admits the Nyt correspondent, «these numbers have actually moved in a positive direction, albeit sometimes marginally». And here Meloni intervenes «with her usual irony», notes Cohen: «But is it possible that I have done nothing!».

Read more Schlein beyond ridiculous on Mps and banks: «Why we are different from the right» | Libero Quotidiano.it