Salvini: “No war with Meloni on relations with the USA”. Tajani: “Foreign policy does the premier”
Salvini and Tajani Address Italy’s Foreign Policy Dynamics Amidst Relations with the USA
Rome, Italy – March 22, 2025 – In a flurry of recent statements, Italian political heavyweights Matteo Salvini and Antonio Tajani have sought to clarify their stances on Italy’s foreign policy, particularly regarding its relationship with the United States, amid speculation of internal discord within the government. Salvini, the Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Lega party, emphasized unity with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, while Tajani, the Foreign Minister, underscored the premier’s ultimate authority over foreign policy decisions.
Salvini, speaking to reporters on Friday, dismissed rumors of tension with Meloni over Italy’s transatlantic ties. “No war with Meloni on relations with the USA,” he declared emphatically, signaling a cohesive front within the right-wing coalition government. His remarks come at a time when Italy’s foreign policy direction—balancing its commitments to NATO, the European Union, and its historic alliance with the United States—has been under scrutiny. Salvini’s Lega has occasionally pushed a more nationalist agenda, raising questions about potential friction with Meloni’s broader internationalist approach as leader of Fratelli d’Italia.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, a prominent figure in Forza Italia, weighed in on the delineation of roles within the government. “Foreign policy does the premier,” Tajani stated during a press conference, reinforcing that Meloni holds the reins on Italy’s external affairs. His comment appears to subtly address any speculation about competing influences within the coalition, affirming that the Prime Minister’s office remains the final arbiter on matters of statecraft. Tajani, a seasoned diplomat and former President of the European Parliament, has been a key player in maintaining Italy’s alignment with Western allies, particularly the United States.
The backdrop to these statements includes ongoing debates about Italy’s role in global conflicts and its economic ties with the U.S. Meloni’s government has navigated a delicate balance—supporting Ukraine against Russia while managing domestic pressures from populist factions wary of overcommitting to international entanglements. Salvini, known for his past skepticism toward EU policies and his admiration for certain aspects of U.S. conservatism, has nonetheless aligned with Meloni’s pro-NATO stance in recent months.
Analysts suggest that Salvini’s and Tajani’s public affirmations reflect a strategic effort to project stability within the coalition, especially as Italy prepares for upcoming international summits where its relationship with the U.S. will be pivotal. The United States, under its current administration, has leaned on European allies like Italy to bolster collective security efforts, making Rome’s position a focal point in transatlantic diplomacy.
While Salvini’s “no war” comment dismisses any dramatic rift, it also hints at the coalition’s need to periodically reassure the public and its allies of its unity. Tajani’s assertion of Meloni’s primacy, meanwhile, serves as a reminder of the hierarchical clarity within the government’s decision-making structure. Together, their statements paint a picture of a coalition intent on maintaining a steady course, even as individual leaders carve out their own rhetorical space.
As Italy continues to assert its influence on the global stage, the interplay between Salvini’s domestic populism, Tajani’s diplomatic pragmatism, and Meloni’s overarching leadership will likely remain a storyline to watch. For now, the message from Rome is clear: there’s no war within the ranks, and the premier holds the helm.
