At a press conference organised by the National Council of the Order of Journalists and the Parliamentary Press Association, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addresses press freedom and other current affairs.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed concerns about press freedom, stating, “I don’t think I have to defend myself from the prediction that I represent a limit or a problem for freedom of the press or for democracy.” She criticised claims that the government’s initiatives might restrict press rights, highlighting the contributions of Undersecretary Alberto Barachini. Meloni clarified, “Everything Barachini does is a choice of the government and not of the individual Undersecretary.”
Addressing allegations about her accessibility to journalists, she said, “In 2024, I answered 350 questions, more than one a day.” She explained her decision not to hold post-Council of Ministers press conferences, stating, “I made the choice to give space to the ministers in their respective spheres of competence, because Giorgia Meloni is not alone in government.”
Meloni also expressed concerns about inaccurate reporting: “I find myself increasingly finding quotes in newspapers, declarations that I have never said or thought. Often, facts that have not happened are reported.” She called for mutual respect, adding, “I assure respect, even more respect for your work, and I allow myself to ask you for the same.”
Legislative Proposals and Press Regulation
Meloni addressed a legislative decree stemming from a 2016 European directive, which limits the publication of pre-trial detention orders. “Journalists are allowed to have the order, but they are asked to make a summary,” she clarified. The measure aims to protect sensitive data and wiretap excerpts without restricting the right to inform.
Regarding a defamation bill under discussion, Meloni rejected claims it seeks to curb press freedom. She also expressed support for fair compensation for journalists, stating, “I can only agree with a law that bears my name. An observatory has been established and is operational at the Ministry of Justice.”
International Diplomacy and the Sala Case
Meloni discussed the diplomatic triangulation involving Italy, Iran, and the US over the Cecilia Sala case. “The discussions with Iran are of a diplomatic and intelligence nature,” she said, emphasising the need for caution due to the presence of 500 Italians in Iran. Reflecting on the resolution of the case, she shared, “I have not felt a greater emotion in these years than when I told Cecilia’s mother that her daughter was coming home.”
She also commented on the Abedini case, noting, “It is being examined by the Ministry of Justice. Discussions with the United States are ongoing and require further dialogue.”
SpaceX Collaboration and National Interest
Addressing rumours about SpaceX, Meloni denied favouritism. “Using the public to do favours to friends is not my habit,” she said. The government considers SpaceX technology for securing sensitive communications in diplomatic and military contexts. She added, “Italy and Europe didn’t arrive in time to imagine public technologies that could secure these communications.”
Meloni dismissed claims of Elon Musk being a threat to democracy, contrasting him with other wealthy individuals influencing politics. “I don’t take money from Musk; if anything, they took it from Soros,” she remarked.
Constitutional Reforms and Electoral Law
Meloni reiterated her commitment to constitutional reforms, aiming to deliver them within the current legislature. “I want to arrive at the next elections with the reform of the prime minister approved and an electoral law calibrated on this,” she said.
She also expressed openness to holding referendums, stating, “The important thing is to bring home the reforms and allow Italians to express themselves on these matters.”
Regional Term Limits and Government Intervention
On the Campania region’s law permitting a third term for its governor, Meloni confirmed the government’s challenge. “The issue concerns a fundamental principle and is within the competence of the State,” she explained. She proposed discussing harmonisation of term limits through legislative initiatives.
Immigration and Albania Centres
Meloni addressed the Supreme Court’s rulings on safe countries, confirming the readiness of migrant centres in Albania. “The centres are ready to be operational,” she said. She criticised magistrates’ decisions that disregarded the government’s provisions, calling it “a little worrying and bizarre.”
The European Court of Justice will rule on the matter in February, with most European countries supporting Italy’s position. Meloni emphasised, “Our reasons align with the immigration and asylum pact. I would wait and see what happens.”
