ROME — In a bid to rejuvenate her leadership, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to unveil a refreshed political agenda on Thursday, following a significant referendum defeat attributed to surging energy costs and her connections with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“The war created uncertainty, and a sense of fear has prevailed among those alarmed by the rise in petrol prices,” said Paolo Barelli, whip for the center-right Forza Italia party and member of the coalition government, following the electoral loss.
During her upcoming address to parliament, Meloni intends to reshape her administration’s focus, placing energy security at the forefront while distancing herself from Trump. A recent visit to the Gulf highlighted this strategic pivot, underscoring energy security as a national priority.
Energy Security Takes Center Stage
Meloni’s speech is expected to resonate with her political base as she tackles key issues like security and migration, while also outlining existing initiatives such as reducing fuel excise duties to alleviate the financial burden on households and businesses amid escalating energy prices. This initiative aligns with a recent report from the Bank of Italy, which downgraded growth projections due to “exceptionally high uncertainty.”
Furthermore, Meloni’s focus on energy will influence Italy’s relationship with the European Union. Her government is advocating for more flexible EU fiscal rules, arguing that the current crisis justifies relaxing spending constraints related to energy security. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini emphasized this priority on Wednesday, likening EU debt regulations to a “straitjacket.” European leaders have shown some willingness to consider flexibility, as noted by France’s European Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné, who indicated that the bloc might be open to adjustments in response to prevailing challenges.
Foreign Policy Reorientation
Alongside her domestic realignment, Meloni is also recalibrating her foreign policy stance, particularly in relation to Trump. In a recent interview with state broadcaster RAI, she asserted that while maintaining transatlantic ties is important, her primary commitment remains to “defend national interests.” She stated, “When we don’t agree, we say so — and this time we do not agree.”
Her administration reiterated this point on Tuesday, emphasizing the necessity of cooperating with European partners to “preserve civilian infrastructure,” especially in light of Trump’s controversial statements regarding potential military actions against Iranian infrastructure. Earlier this year, Italy denied a U.S. bomber mission landing at a Sicilian base on its way to the Middle East, although Meloni clarified that this decision did not signify a rupture in relations with Washington.
Some allies within her coalition perceive her previous close association with Trump as a drawback, suggesting it may have contributed to the referendum loss. One lawmaker remarked, “Until [the Iran war happened] we were ahead, then there was a dramatic fall,” attributing the defeat to the conflict in the Middle East and the perception of right-wing ties to Trump.
Nicola Lupo, a public law professor at LUISS University, suggested that the referendum results and current polling indicate that affiliation with Trump could carry significant political repercussions, noting that across Europe, such ties have become “toxic — even on the right.”
While early elections have been dismissed in light of global instability and energy crises, Meloni’s political future relies heavily on the unfolding international situation and her perceived proximity to key players, as well as her capacity to maintain coalition unity and push for electoral law reforms aimed at strengthening her party’s parliamentary majority.