Meloni Champions Italian Wine, Vows Protection Against Economic Sabotage at Vinitaly
VERONA, Italy - prime Minister Giorgia meloni delivered a strong message of support for Italy’s wine industry at the record-breaking 2024 Vinitaly fair in Verona, emphasizing wine as “a fundamental piece of our identity” and signaling a relentless stance against those who would damage Italian products. The Prime Minister’s visit, which drew enthusiastic crowds and numerous photo opportunities, came as the fair saw increased attendance from both operators and politicians, alongside a special appearance by students awarded in a Ministry of Agriculture competition.
Meloni’s tour of the fair included stops at stands representing Trentino, Lazio, Tuscany, Abruzzo, and Veneto - hosted by Governor Luca Zaia, who presented her with the flag of the Serenissima, noting its depiction of “peace.” While acknowledging the current parliamentary landscape doesn’t support a third term for Zaia, Meloni left the door open, stating, ”At a parliamentary level, for now, there is no majority for the third term, but it is indeed still too early to see.” She also addressed concerns regarding differentiated autonomy, clarifying, “The approval does not depend on me, far from the government putting pressure on Parliament.”
The Prime Minister also used the event to highlight a recent positive exchange with Elly Schlein, leader of the Democratic Party, regarding the Middle East, stating, “Your phone call…made me happy, a necessary contact.” Responding to questions about campaign imagery, Meloni quipped, “I’m the leader of the party, who else would you like to do them with?”
Despite a busy schedule and numerous offers, meloni politely declined to partake in wine tastings, citing an upcoming Council of Ministers meeting and an empty stomach. She was, however, photographed with a bottle of wine produced by prisoners on the island of gorgona, commissioned by Frescobaldi. The event also saw interactions with prominent figures in the wine world,including journalist Bruno Vespa and oenologist Riccardo Cotarella.
