ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 16: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni waits to welcome UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Palazzo Chigi on December 16, 2023. Interestingly, her right-wing party held a four-day political festival in Rome. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister since 2022, recently caught everyone’s eye when a part of her speech went viral. In her year-end Christmas address at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, as reported by New York Post, she shared that the year 2025 was tough for everyone and ominously predicted that 2026 would be even worse. This certainly stirred up quite a buzz on social media platform X, with one user stating:
“Finally an honest politician.”
Just a week prior, Meloni hosted a charity sale, cashing in on gifts she once received from influential figures. According to The Guardian, she managed to sell over 250 items, which included a statue of Argentine President Javier Milei and other memorabilia from past Prime Ministers.
What Else Did Meloni Say About the Struggles Ahead?
During her address at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers on December 22, Meloni talked about how difficult 2025 has been, warning that 2026 is set to be even more challenging. Her comments included:
“[It] has been tough for all of us. Don’t worry, because next year will be much worse. So get adequate rest during these holidays, because we must continue to provide answers to this extraordinary nation.”
She reemphasized the need for rest:
“So rest properly during these holidays, because we must continue to give answers to this extraordinary nation.”
According to Reuters, Meloni’s remarks coincided with the government preparing to extend parliamentary approval for military arms supplies to Ukraine. Notably, a faction led by Matteo Salvini has expressed ongoing concerns regarding continued military support to Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia, which has been ongoing since 2022.
The Italian Prime Minister’s statements have garnered a mix of reactions on social media. While some users praised her for candidness, others seemingly took issue with her outlook. One user commented on X:
“At least she’s telling it like it is 😢”
Another user tweeted:
“even worse?”
Yet another quipped:
“who gave her a wrong script??”
“Peak Italian realism. Bless her honesty,” another added.
Interestingly, per The Sunday Times, there have been changes made to the Italian national anthem; the ending word “si,” translating to “yes,” will no longer be part of the anthem. Previously, it culminated in the call, “We are ready to die, Italy has called! Yes.” The governmental shift was canalized during her speech at the Council of Ministers.
