Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

April 23, 2026 7:56 PM

Italy underwhelmed by Trump envoy’s suggestion they should replace Iran at World Cup

The suggestion that Iran should be replaced by Italy at this year's World Cup drew a mix of embarrassment and apathy from Azzurri fans on Thursday, with Italian media reminding readers that the idea has a very familiar feel. Donald Trump's U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times that he made the suggestion to the U.S. president and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "I'm an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, t...

March 24, 2026 9:53 AM

Italy’s Meloni loses justice referendum, denting her political aura

Italian voters emphatically rejected a flagship judicial reform championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, dealing a blow to her right-wing coalition ahead of next year's general elections. With most ballots counted after the March 22-23 referendum, the opposition-backed "No" bloc took almost 54% of the vote against 46% who approved of the government drive to rewrite the constitution and revamp Italy's fiercely independent judiciary. "The Italians have decided and we respect this decision," ...

March 5, 2026 5:52 PM

Italy to send aid to Gulf states and Cyprus after Iranian strikes

Italy is planning to send air defence aid to Gulf countries and naval assets to Cyprus after Iranian air strikes, the government said on Thursday, amid concern for the safety of citizens and troops in the region, as well as for energy security. As the U.S.–Iran war entered its sixth day, the conflict has widened beyond Gulf states and into Asia, convulsing global markets and prompting thousands of stranded tourists and residents to try to flee the Middle East. Right-wing Prime Minister Giorg...

June 10, 2024 4:33 PM

Italy’s PM Meloni comes out on top in EU vote, strengthening her hand

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's arch-conservative Brothers of Italy group won the most votes in the European parliamentary election over the weekend, boosting her standing both at home and abroad. With almost all ballots counted, Brothers of Italy won 28.8% of the vote, more than four times what it took in the last European Union election in 2019, and exceeding the 26% it secured in the 2022 national ballot, when it rose to power. "I am proud that Italy will present itself to the G7, to Europe...