Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2025 via video link on February 22, 2025, where she emphasized the importance of strong leadership and collaboration between Europe and the United States.
During her speech, Meloni criticized the left's narrative surrounding conservative governance, arguing for the need to work together to build lasting peace, particularly concerning the situation in Ukraine. "I know some of you may see Europe as distant or lost, I tell you it is not," she stated, underlining her belief in Europe’s resilient role on the international stage.
Meloni praised former President Donald Trump’s leadership, insisting it would prevent disasters similar to the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, adding, "With Trump, we will not witness the disaster seen in Afghanistan ever again." Her remarks aimed to bolster the conservative alliance and highlight the perceived strength of modern right-wing leadership.
Highlighting the conflict in Ukraine, she continued, "The Ukrainian population is fighting for freedom against brutal aggression," and stressed the necessity of strong leadership to contribute to peace efforts. She contended, "No West can exist without America," emphasizing the bonds between American and European conservatives.
Meloni's remarks were not without controversy. Just after her polished speech, her microphone was still live when she uttered the words, “Volevo morì” (“I wanted to die”), which quickly went viral, adding humor yet inadvertently underscoring the pressures she faces as a conservative leader on the global stage.
The reception of her address drew ire from opposition leaders back home, particularly following incidents at CPAC involving former Trump advisor Steve Bannon, who appeared to perform a Nazi salute during the event. This incident led to calls for Meloni to disassociate from CPAC activities, with Elly Schlein of Italy’s center-left Democratic Party insisting she should publicly distance herself from what was termed as a "neo-fascist gathering".
Meloni, steadfast in her defense of right-wing principles, countered, stating, "This is the Left’s double standard, but we are used to it. And the good news is people no longer believe in their lies." She expressed confidence on behalf of conservative leaders, reinforcing the notion of collective strength against critiques from liberal factions.
Concluding her address, Meloni rallied her supporters: "We serve the people; we do not rule over them," positioning the conservative agenda as one grounded in the will of ordinary citizens rather than political elites. This assertion reflects her intent to unify conservatives under shared aims, particularly concerning security and traditional values.
While Meloni's CPAC address reinforced her commitment to the right-wing cause, it also highlighted the growing tensions within Europe and the United States over the influence and narrative surrounding conservative governance. The upcoming years are poised to be pivotal as the global political climate continues to evolve, and leaders like Meloni navigate complex alliances to reshape the future of political discourse.