‘Issue because of his political views?’: Giorgia Meloni amid row over potential deal with ‘friend’ Elon Musk

Italian premier Giorgia Meloni has strongly defended her friend, billionaire Elon Musk.

Published on: Jan 13, 2025, 17:38:09 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

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Italian premier Giorgia Meloni has defended her “friend Elon Musk” and suggested that the controversy surrounding a potential deal with the billionaire-led SpaceX for Italy's telecom security system could be due to his “political views.”

Giorgia Meloni and Elon Musk (File Photo/AP)

“Is the issue about private investors or their political ideas? The issue arises when individuals use resources to fund parties and groups worldwide to influence policies, which I don't see Musk doing, unlike George Soros,” The Times of India quoted Giorgia Meloni as saying at a press conference.

Also Read | George Soros gets US' top civilian award, Elon Musk furious

The politician, Italy's first woman Prime Minister, also firmly denied holding any private talks with Musk over the deal.

“I've never discussed this with him. I don't use my public position to do favours for friends,” she asserted.

Meloni emphasised that “national interest” is the only lens through which her government is considering “such deals,” a reference to Starlink, the satellite system of SpaceX.

Also Read | 'Don't take orders from anyone': Giorgia Meloni on friendship with Elon Musk

“Is the issue that Musk is rich and influential, or that he's not left-wing?” she asked.

Musk, an ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, has previously expressed enthusiasm for a partnership with Italy and offered the country “the most secure and advanced connectivity” via SpaceX.

Also Read | Giorgia Meloni’s closeness to Elon Musk, Donald Trump is a win-win and a big risk; Here's why

Starlink has been operating in the European nation since 2021 and is likely to expand its services to include emergency response during disasters or terror attacks.

However, the reported deal, worth 1.5 billion Euros (approx. $1.6 billion) over five years, has raised concerns among Italy's opposition parties, who question whether a company led by Musk should handle such “sensitive communications."

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