Meloni Reaffirms Defense Spending Stance While Shifting Focus to Economy

(MENAFN) Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has reiterated that her position on increasing defense spending remains unchanged, while emphasizing that Italy must now prioritize pressing economic concerns, according to reports citing ANSA.

Speaking at a press conference following a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Meloni said, “I haven't changed my mind … on the issue of defense spending,” adding that she accepts responsibility for her position despite its lack of popularity. “I take responsibility for it because I know it's not a very popular issue.”

She stressed that governance requires difficult decisions beyond public approval. “Responsible people should also do what's right, not just what's immediately popular,” she said, reaffirming that defense spending remains “an absolute priority.”

However, the prime minister also highlighted the need to focus on Italy’s economic situation. “Today I must prioritize what's happening on the economic level, because if I no longer have a nation, there's no need for me to defend it,” she said.

Meloni added that the government would attempt to balance its various commitments in line with national priorities. “Maybe we won't do everything we could have done or should have done, let's try to make ends meet,” she noted.

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