18.10.2025 22:21
A dispute between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Maurizio Landini, the leader of the country's largest labor union, escalated into personal insults over Gaza policy. Landini's remarks referring to Meloni as "Donald Trump's mistress" ignited discussions about sexism in Roman politics.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has become the center of a fierce polemic with the leader of the country's largest labor union, Maurizio Landini. Landini's characterization of Meloni as "Donald Trump's mistress" has caused quite a stir in Roman politics.
HARSH STATEMENTS AFTER THE GAZA SUMMIT: COULDN'T GO BEYOND BEING TRUMP'S MISTRESS The debate began after the Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt, which Meloni also attended. Immediately after the summit, Landini, the President of the General Confederation of Labor (CGIL), criticized the government for being passive before the ceasefire in Gaza. Claiming that Meloni "did not contribute to peace efforts," Landini used a very harsh expression in his speech: "Meloni couldn't go beyond being Trump's mistress. The people once again protected the honor of this country." At that time, the union had organized a general strike and pro-Palestinian demonstrations to protest the civilian casualties in Gaza.
President of the General Confederation of Labor Maurizio Landini MELONI RESPONDED: YOU GAVE LESSONS ON RESPECT FOR YEARS As Landini's statements quickly became the focus of national attention, Prime Minister Meloni did not remain silent. In a post on her social media account, Meloni responded to the union leader without naming him, describing Landini's words as the "result of anger" and drawing attention to the meaning of the term "mistress" he used. In her post, Meloni also included a screenshot taken from an online dictionary. The definition of the word in the image was as follows: "A woman of loose morals." The Italian leader added a note to her post: "The left, which has given lessons on respect for women for years, is now degrading a woman by calling her a whore."
AFTER THE REACTIONS, HE CLARIFIED HIS WORDS After the increasing reactions, Landini stated that his words had been misinterpreted. Rejecting the criticisms directed at him, the Union President said, "In my 10-minute interview, which everyone can rewatch, I immediately clarified my words to prevent any misunderstanding: Meloni was benefiting from Trump's success, she was in Trump's palace, she was Trump's sycophant."
TRUMP HAD PRAISED HER Donald Trump, at the center of the controversy, had drawn attention with his praises for Meloni during the summit in Egypt. During his speech, Trump turned to Meloni, the only female leader attending the summit, and said, "If I said this in America, my political career would be over, but I'm taking the risk. Can I say you're beautiful? Because you really are." Trump also commented on Meloni's English-published book, calling it "a work that will inspire all women." Donald Trump Jr., the son of the U.S. President, had written a foreword for the English edition of the book.