Forza Italia spokesperson Raffaele Nevi urged caution on Monday regarding political decisions affecting national security. Speaking to Affaritaliani.it, he addressed the possibility of an agreement between the Italian government and Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite network.
“Caution is always necessary in political choices, and in this case, it concerns national data security. We must evaluate costs and benefits with absolute calm,” Nevi said when asked about a potential deal with SpaceX for secure government telecommunications.
He stressed that any agreement “must not be based on political emotions” or linked “to friendship with Musk.” While acknowledging that Starlink offers services otherwise unavailable, Nevi insisted that decisions must be made “without being dragged into a fandom for or against Musk” and solely in the national interest.
Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini urged the government on Sunday to proceed with a deal. “In my opinion, it is in Italy’s interest to sign a contract with Starlink tomorrow morning. They have 7,000 satellites in orbit, not because I like Musk or support Trump, but because it would enhance national security,” Salvini said. He added, “I certainly don’t want to put myself in the hands of the French,” referring to the alternative option of an agreement with Eutelsat.
Care needs to be taken with state deals
Nevi, whose party is led by Deputy Premier Antonio Tajani, acknowledged Salvini’s stance but maintained that careful assessment was needed. “Forza Italia has no objections to Musk,” he said. However, he did note disagreement with some of Musk’s statements, such as his call for the US to withdraw from NATO.
“We should evaluate costs, benefits, and potential alternatives, if they exist, in a concrete and pragmatic way, without ideology,” Nevi said. “The key point is not signing a deal with Starlink because Musk is someone’s friend, but only if it serves the national interest.”
On Saturday, Musk wrote on X that “it would be an honour to speak to President (Sergio) Mattarella.” He was responding to a user who claimed Mattarella was trying to prevent the Italian government from securing a deal with Starlink.
