Italian PM Meloni slams Left's "Double Standards" over labelling Modi and Trump as threats to democracy

Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni delivered a fiery speech via video link at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), accusing left-wing politicians of hypocrisy for branding conservative leaders such as herself, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as threats to democracy.

Addressing a receptive audience of conservative activists, Meloni argued that such criticism reflects a double standard that unfairly targets leaders who prioritize national interests, secure borders, and traditional values.

In her remarks, Meloni pointed to what she described as a stark contrast in how political alliances are perceived. “When Bill Clinton and Tony Blair created the global leftist liberal network in the 90s, they were called statesmen,” she said. “Today, when Trump, Meloni, Milei, or maybe Modi talk, they are called a threat to democracy. This is the Left’s double standard.”  She suggested that this labeling is a tactic to discredit conservative leaders who challenge progressive ideologies, despite their widespread electoral support.

Meloni, who leads Italy’s far-right Brothers of Italy party, emphasised that the Left’s frustration has escalated into “hysteria” following Trump’s recent electoral victory, which she sees as part of a broader global conservative resurgence. “The Left is nervous, not only because conservatives are winning but because conservatives are now collaborating globally,” she asserted. She cited leaders such as Argentine President Javier Milei alongside Trump and Modi as part of this emerging movement, which she claims prioritises freedom, national sovereignty, and resistance to what she called “green leftist insanity” and “wokeism.”

The Italian leader argued that the persistent support for these figures undermines the Left’s narrative. “The good news is people no longer believe their lies,” Meloni said. “Despite all the mud they throw at us, citizens keep voting for us.” She attributed this to a public desire for leaders who “defend freedom,” “love our nations,” and “protect our sacred right to faith and free speech,” contrasting this with what she portrayed as the Left’s elitism and disconnect from ordinary people.

Meloni’s comments sparked immediate backlash in Italy, where opposition leaders criticised her participation in CPAC, especially amid controversy over a gesture by Trump’s former advisor Steve Bannon that some interpreted as a Nazi salute. Elly Schlein, leader of Italy’s Democratic Party, urged Meloni to distance herself from the event, calling it a “neo-fascist gathering”. However, Meloni remained defiant, framing her stance as a defense of democratic choice against ideological attacks.

Her speech underscores a growing alignment among right-wing leaders worldwide, with Meloni positioning herself as a key figure in this network. As the only EU head of state to attend Trump’s recent inauguration, she continues to build bridges with conservative counterparts, raising questions about the implications for Europe’s political landscape. For now, Meloni’s remarks at CPAC highlight a deepening divide, as she champions a narrative of conservative resilience against what she sees as a hypocritical liberal establishment