Meloni's countermoves with Trump in the White House: 'We will strengthen ties between Italy and the US'

Giorgia Meloni awaited the outcome of the vote in the United States with a mix of anxiety and calculated strategy. Although she has repeatedly said she does not want to 'meddle in the affairs of other nations', she has already prepared countermoves to limit the damage.

'On behalf of myself and the Italian Government, the most sincere congratulations to the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump. Italy and the United States are 'sister' nations, bound by an unshakeable alliance, common values and a historic friendship,' he wrote on X as Trump's victory was being defined. 'It is a strategic bond, which I am sure we will now strengthen even more. Good work President'.

With the tycoon in the White House much is set to change. The US is turning to the right and Meloni, who is the leader of the right in Italy, should theoretically toast the Tycoon's return to the White House. The positions of the Republican candidate however do not always (indeed almost never) coincide with Italian interests. At least listening to the tycoon's intentions during the election campaign. Trump wants to reduce imports to increase domestic production through the introduction of new duties. He considers - and has said so - Europe on a par with China.

But for Italy - an exporting country par excellence second only to Germany - a protectionist choice by the future US President could prove fatal, given the current difficulties in Europe.

The PM will have to put on a good face of course. The alliance with the United States is 'irrespective' (Tajani dixit) of who the President is. In foreign policy, currently on both Ukraine and the Middle East conflict, the Prime Minister's position is overlapping with that of the US. The same cannot be said with Trump who - at least in words - has opposed financial and military support for Kiev and has returned to threatening NATO over possible US disinterest. As for the other front, many believe that with Donald as president, Netanyahu would have a free hand 'to finish the job' in both Iran and Lebanon. The silencing of Defence Minister Yoav Gallant could in the future be read as an early sign of the new strategy.