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Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has reassured that investments from companies owned by Elon Musk do not pose any threat to Italy.
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Meloni emphasized her commitment to attracting significant investments to Italy, stating, “I work to ensure major investments in Italy and assess their value based on our national interest.” Her comments came in response to concerns about the potential risks to national security related to such investments.
Meloni’s connections with Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, have garnered attention in Italy, especially after Musk awarded her a distinction in New York.
Meanwhile, Musk has made his mark on Italy’s political and business landscape. A Bloomberg report on Friday revealed that the billionaire has raised concerns, including urging Italy to focus on increasing its birthrate and criticizing Telecom Italia SpA for hindering the rollout of his Starlink satellite service.
Musk and Meloni have discussed potential investments in the space and artificial intelligence sectors, and Italy’s new regulatory framework now allows foreign space companies to operate within the country.
During the September award ceremony, Musk praised Meloni, calling her “authentic, honest, and truthful,” qualities that are not always found in politicians.
Meloni, in turn, described Musk as “like a genius” and noted that he has been unfairly portrayed as a “monster” simply due to his political leanings.
While Meloni and Musk share a positive relationship, other European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his deputy Robert Habeck, have been critical of Musk. In their New Year speeches, they condemned his support for a far-right party in the upcoming snap election in Italy.
Musk, who played a key role in President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team, is expected to hold an influential advisory position in the new U.S. government.