Musk’s investments posed no threat to Italy, says PM

• Published On: 03 January 2025 at 19:56

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated that investments by Elon Musk-owned companies do not pose a threat to Italy.

This follows concerns raised by some about the influence of foreign corporations.

"I work to have major investments in Italy and evaluate the usefulness of each investment through the prism of our national interest," the prime minister told Corriere della Sera in response to a question about national security risks.

Meloni's relationship with Elon Musk has sparked widespread interest in Italy, particularly after Musk presented her with an award in New York.

Musk has made some notable remarks about Italy's political and business environment.

He urged the country at the time to prioritise increasing its birth rate, citing demographic challenges.

Musk also accused Telecom Italia SpA of impeding the launch of his Starlink Inc. high-speed internet service in Italy.

Musk described Meloni as "authentic, honest, and truthful — and that can't always be said about politicians," during the September award ceremony.

The admiration appears to be mutual, with Prime Minister telling Corriere that she sees Musk as "a genius" who has been unfairly portrayed "as a monster" because of his political affiliation with the "wrong" party.

Other European leaders have been less supportive of Musk, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Deputy Robert Habeck criticising him in their New Year's messages.