Italian opposition blast Trump's 'unacceptable' Meloni slight

Italy's opposition parties on Friday

joined the government in condemning President Donald Trump after

he said Premier Giorgia Meloni "begged" for a photo with him

during the G7 summit, while also arguing this shows being too

acquiescent with the US administration is counterproductive.

"Solidarity with Giorgia Meloni for Trump's unspeakable words,"

Filippo Sensi, a Senator for the centre-left Democratic Party,

said via X.

"No one is allowed to adopt such an arrogant tone toward the

person leading the Italian government.

"I have nothing in common with Meloni, who boasted about being a

bridge (between Trump's American and the EU), and the Right.

"But no one can treat Italy this way".

Former industry minister Carlo Calenda, the leader of the

centrist Azione party, said he was convinced Trump had made up

the story, which is what Meloni also said.

"Trump is a serial liar and a ridiculous bully," Calenda said.

"Personally, I don't believe Giorgia Meloni begged for anything

at all.

"In any case, these insults must be rejected as they undermine

the nation's honour".

Ex-premier and 5-Star Movement (M5S) leader Giuseppe Conte said

Italy "doesn't deserve to find itself so blatantly humiliated.

"I say this as an Italian citizen first and foremost, not as a

politician," Conte continued in a social-media post.

"So, it's completely unacceptable that one of our allies would

dare speak in this way about our institutional leaders.

"I only hope that a reflection will be opened to learn from what

happened.

"Signing up to everything we're asked to do, chasing photos and

book prefaces, can never prevail over our national interest.

"We must roll up our sleeves for our country, which must defend

its dignity, its credibility, its greatness".

(see related).

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