Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has taken a strong stance against the global political Left, criticising what she termed as its “double standards” while asserting that a new conservative movement is taking shape under leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump, and Argentinian President Javier Milei.
Addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington DC via video link on Saturday, Meloni accused left-wing leaders of hypocrisy in their portrayal of conservative politicians.
“With Trump’s victory, their irritation has turned into hysteria. Not only because conservatives are winning, but because conservatives are now collaborating globally,” Meloni remarked.
She pointed out that when former US President Bill Clinton and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair formed a global leftist liberal alliance in the 1990s, they were lauded as statesmen.
However, she claimed that conservative leaders such as Trump, Modi, Milei, and herself are unfairly labelled as threats to democracy for forging similar alliances.
“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 stated.
‘Citizens still voting for us’
Meloni argued that despite opposition and criticism, conservative leaders continue to enjoy public support due to their policies.
“We defend freedom. We love our nations. We want secure borders. We preserve businesses and citizens… We defend family and life. We fight against wokeism. We protect our sacred right to our faith and our free speech. And we stand for common sense. So ultimately, our struggle is hard, but the choice is simple,” she asserted.
Also read: Italy PM Meloni defends Trump’s strategic warnings on global assets
Call for security and leadership
Shifting focus to global security, Meloni cited the need for Europe to prioritise security measures, contending that freedom cannot be safeguarded without adequate resources and courage.
“Happiness depends on freedom and freedom depends on courage. We proved this when we stopped invasions, won our independencies and overthrew dictators. And we have done it together the last three years in Ukraine, where a proud people fight for their freedom against brutal aggression. And we must continue today, working together for a just and lasting peace, a peace that can only be built with the contribution of all, but above all, with strong leaderships,” she said.
She also lauded Donald Trump’s leadership, asserting that under his presidency, the United States would not have witnessed the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan that occurred in 2021.
“I know that with Donald Trump leading the United States, we will never again see the disaster we saw in Afghanistan four years ago. So, border security, border security, energy security, economic security, food security, defence and national security, for a simple reason. If you are not secure, you are not free. And when freedom is at risk, the only thing that you can do is to put it in the wiser hands,” she stated.
A call to preserve civilisations
Meloni concluded her address with a call to prevent what she described as the decline of civilisations, stressing the importance of leaving behind a stronger world for future generations.
“I made my choice long ago, and I fight every day to honour it. And I know that I’m not alone in this battle, that you are all standing with me, that we are all standing together. And believe me, this makes all the difference,” she asserted.
Her remarks at CPAC come at a time when conservative movements across the globe are gaining momentum, challenging the traditional liberal establishments in several countries.
Also read: Modi’s take on 'Melodi' memes: 'Wo toh chalta rehta hai'
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