Giorgia Meloni Criticizes Union Leader for ‘Trump’s Courtesan’ Comment
Giorgia Meloni has publicly denounced the leader of Italy’s largest labor union after the official described her as a “courtesan” of President Donald Trump.
Background of the Disputed Comments
Maurizio Landini, leading the CGIL union, issued the comment on a TV program on Tuesday. This came just after global figures, including Meloni, participated in a Middle East peace summit in Egypt.
The union leader accused the Prime Minister of “doing nothing” to secure peace in Gaza, remarking her involvement was confined to “playing Trump’s courtesan”. Thankfully, the Italian citizens demonstrated to uphold the dignity and honour of Italy,” he commented.
Meloni’s Response
On her social media accounts on Thursday, Meloni stated that Landini was “evidently clouded by growing bitterness (which is understandable)”. She then share a explanation of the expression “courtesan”.
“I think most people are aware the primary definition attributed to this term, but, for the benefit of people who don’t know, I’m publishing the initial definition found through a quick internet search,” Meloni said, providing a image that stated: “Promiscuous woman, straight; euphemism, prostitute.”
Meloni further condemned her political rivals on the left, observing that over many years they had admonished us on women’s rights” only to then criticize a woman by “labeling her a prostitute”.
Response from Landini
Reacting to the post, Landini contended that there were “no sexist insults” toward the Prime Minister and that the term was meant to imply “an underling to Trump”.
Via a released message, he said: “Over a short TV segment, that is publicly available, to avoid any misunderstanding or misuse of the expression, I promptly explained what I meant – that Meloni was trailing behind Trump, she was in Trump’s circle, she was Trump’s lackey.”
Connection with the US President
The Italian leader has steadily built cordial connections with the US president. During a speech during the Middle East event, Trump faced Meloni – the lone woman in attendance – and referred to her as “beautiful”. “In the US, this could be career-ending,” he remarked. “Still, I am willing to chance it. Do you mind if I say you are beautiful? Because you truly are beautiful.”
Trump afterwards lauded her as “motivational to all” in concerning the English version of her book, I Am Giorgia: My Roots, My Principles, which includes a introduction by his son.
Previous Incidents
Earlier this year, the Prime Minister also hit back after learning that altered images of her and additional notable women from Italy had been posted on a adult site, saying she was “disgusted”, and showing “solidarity and support to the women who have been offended, insulted and violated”.
