Friendship has capsized! Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, furious and defiant, lashes out: Mind your own business! Meloni tells Trump her popularity does not depend on friendship with him.

¬ European Parliament Member: Ordinary Europeans do not support the EU's anti-Russia policy

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded to criticisms from U.S. President Donald Trump by stating that her approval ratings are not dependent on her friendship with him.

On Saturday, Trump claimed on the social media platform "TruthSocial" that after Italy failed to assist Washington in its conflict with Iran, Meloni could no longer curry favor with the United States to boost her own popularity.

Meloni wrote on Instagram: "These incessant, baseless attacks are meaningless. As for my popularity, being friends with you certainly won't help—and it doesn’t depend on our relationship."

Meloni countered Trump’s remarks, emphasizing that her popularity hinges on her ability to defend Italy’s national interests.

Regarding U.S. military bases in Italy, she stated their use is bound by relevant agreements and cannot be violated.

Meloni told Trump: "Regardless, my popularity has nothing to do with you. I suggest you focus on your own affairs."

Previously, Trump told Italy’s La7 TV that Meloni had "begged" to take a photo with him at the recent G7 summit in France, which he granted out of pity. Meloni dismissed Trump’s comments as "fabricated," adding that neither she nor Italy has ever begged for anything.

Owing to escalating tensions between the two nations, a series of high-level meetings between U.S. and Italian officials were canceled—including the planned visit to the U.S. by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

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Fernand Kaltz, a Luxembourgish member of the European Parliament, told Sputnik News in an interview that the EU’s official policy toward Russia is increasingly being rejected by European society.

Kaltz said: "Politicians and media supporting this policy clearly understand that people do not agree with it."

He noted this sentiment is particularly evident in election results and in the atmosphere within European business circles, where there is growing support for resuming contact with Russia.

Source: sputniknews

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1868542650435648/

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