In a pivotal moment for Italian politics, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is slated to receive Polish President Andrzej Duda on Friday, March 28, 2025, as part of her ongoing efforts to strengthen international relations. This meeting will take place at Palazzo Chigi, Italy's government headquarters, where Meloni will engage in bilateral discussions that are expected to prioritize shared interests between Italy and Poland.
The following day, Meloni will make headlines again as she attends the National Congress of the opposition party Azione in Rome. This marks a significant departure from her past reluctance to publicly engage with opposition factions, further signaling a willingness to embrace dialogue in Italy's complex political landscape.
Scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025, the congress will be held at the Life Hotel Spazio Eventi in the heart of Rome. Meloni's participation is especially noteworthy as it represents her first appearance at an event organized by an opposition party, a move many see as a strategic attempt to foster a more collaborative political atmosphere.
Speculation about Meloni's attendance began circulating days before the official confirmation from Palazzo Chigi, which highlights her efforts to engage beyond her own party lines. "Non ho paura, non vedo né il lupo né la tana,” said Carlo Calenda, the Secretary of Azione, reflecting his confidence in participating in cross-party interactions. His remarks underline the ongoing ideological and practical negotiations shaping Italian political discourse.
Calenda himself was re-elected as secretary of Azione with an overwhelming 85.8% majority, a fact that speaks to his strong support within the party as they seek to establish a formal opposition narrative against Meloni's government. The congress aims not only to consolidate this power but also to address critical themes pertinent to both domestic and international policy.
The congress will commence at 10:30 AM, with opening remarks by Pina Picierno, Vice President of the European Parliament. Shortly thereafter, Calenda will present a speech that lays down the themes for the discussions to follow. Meloni is slated to speak at 11:30 AM, and her address is keenly anticipated as it’s expected to highlight her government's stance on various issues, while also reflecting on the importance of political cooperation.
A unique feature of this year's congress will be the thematic panels, addressing pressing issues such as European defense and economic strategies. The panel scheduled for 12:00 PM will include notable figures like Guido Crosetto, the Italian Defense Minister, and Lorenzo Guerini, former Defense Minister, who will take part in a discussion focused on the EU's defense strategies.
At 1:00 PM, a panel dedicated to the future of Europe will see contributions from high-profile participants including ex-Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni and Senator Mario Monti. This panel aims to inspire dialogue on the European Union's direction in light of recent challenges.
Following the discussions on defense and Europe, a panel will examine economic topics, highlighted by the participation of Giancarlo Giorgetti, Minister of Economy. The discussions promise to bring fresh perspectives on Italy's economic prospects amid a shifting global landscape.
The afternoon sessions will feature a range of speakers spanning Italy's political spectrum. Notable voices include former ministers and leaders from various parties, all fostering an inclusive dialogue on significant national issues. Key points are expected to be raised by speakers such as Carlo Cottarelli, who has gained reputation as an economist, and Enzo Maraio of the Socialist Party, further illustrating the eclectic representation at the congress.
As Saturday concludes, the congress will continue into Sunday, March 30, 2025, starting at 9:30 AM with a panel dedicated to women's roles in politics, which aligns with current discussions on gender equality in governance. Participants will include influential figures advocating for women's leadership, further enriching the congress's agenda.
Finally, panoramic reflections will be offered by Calenda, who will close the congress with his conclusive speech at 12:00 noon. His remarks are expected to cement the objectives of Azione moving forward and assess the implications of their ongoing opposition as Italy's political dynamics evolve.
This congress, marked by strategic partnerships and collaborative dialogues, is not just a showcase of Azione's growth but also a reflection of Meloni's willingness to step into the fray of opposition politics. As she meets Duda and engages at the congress, her actions could lay new groundwork for Italy's domestic and foreign policies, heralding a new era of bipartisan discussions in the Italian government.
