“Lepore’s idea is irresponsible,” Meloni tells *Il Giornale*

"I found Mayor Lepore’s idea of naming the square in the wake of that tragedy to be irresponsible, given that there had not even been a chance to ascertain who, if anyone, was responsible. It was clear that this decision would have come across as a pre-emptive condemnation of the police and provided an excellent pretext for the usual suspects from the social centres and the anti-establishment scene to run Bologna ragged, fuel social unrest, attack the police and sow violence throughout the city.” In a lengthy interview with Il Giornale editor Tommaso Cerno, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commented as follows on the demonstration in Piazza Nettuno calling for truth and justice for Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old man of Moroccan origin who died whilst in police custody. The evening’s event then descended into street fighting, with dozens injured, tear gas deployed and cars set alight: “It really gives one pause for thought, then, that the left has never taken to the streets to express solidarity following the death in the line of duty of a law enforcement officer.”

"It is clear to everyone, except the left, that there is an issue of proportionality regarding the sentences handed down. You cannot sentence a paedophile to eight years, or less than ten years in cases of gang rape, and then sentence an ordinary 72-year-old citizen to spend the rest of his days in prison simply because he fought back against a gang of robbers who had raided his shop, threatening him and his family with death.” This was the Prime Minister’s response to a question about the Roggero case, in which the jeweller was sentenced to 14 years and 9 months for shooting dead two robbers and wounding a third following the raid on his shop on 28 April 2021. “How can one expect,” she added, “an ordinary citizen, in a situation of extreme danger, stress and emotional turmoil, to have the composure necessary to realise when the danger has passed, or that the threat has ceased? These are situations that are difficult to manage even for professionals trained for this, let alone for an ordinary citizen. This cannot be ignored in the slightest." On this point, Meloni describes the new security bill as a "common-sense measure" which stipulates that anyone defending themselves against a crime is not liable to pay compensation to their attacker. Although, in his view, the measure cannot be applied in his own case.

Speaking on the Stabilicum, the Prime Minister emphasised once again that “it is plain for all to see just how important it has been for Italy to enjoy this period of stability, with a solid government and the numbers to govern. We have benefited from this in every respect: economically, in terms of international prestige, and in our ability to push through structural reforms. That is why I believe it is in the nation’s interest to have an electoral law that ensures governability and stability and allows whoever wins the elections to govern without backroom deals or ‘rainbow’ coalitions,” said the Prime Minister. “This is the heart of the reform, and it is what drives the left mad, as they are used to governing even when they lose elections, precisely thanks to political manoeuvring. But this nation deserves not to go backwards.” On the issue of preferential votes, responding indirectly to former General Roberto Vannacci, who has repeatedly challenged her on the matter, she reiterated her support for their reintroduction: “I haven’t changed my mind.” Although, following last week’s setback in the Chamber of Deputies – where the bill tabled by FdI, Nm and Udc was rejected due to rebels within the majority – the matter remains unresolved.

And still on the subject of future alliances ahead of the forthcoming elections, Meloni, referring once again to the president of Futuro Nazionale, clarifies: “The centre-right is presenting itself as it has always been: a coalition of people and movements who have come together by choice, with a plan for Italy that takes precedence over their personal fortunes. It is not a coalition cobbled together the day before the vote with those who, right up until the day before, tried to bring you down by any means possible. That is the left’s method, and it failed the test of government. And I realise that it would not be credible to propose an alliance with those who have always voted against a vote of confidence in this government, in order to bring it down.”