Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sparked controversy by claiming that billionaire financier George Soros represents a greater threat to global stability than tech mogul Elon Musk. Meloni made the comments during a press event in Rome on Thursday, where she was asked about Musk’s growing influence in global politics, particularly in light of his recent criticisms of European leaders and his impending role in Donald Trump’s incoming administration.
When asked whether Musk’s wealth and influence posed a problem, Meloni responded by suggesting that the real concern lies not in Musk’s fortune but in his political leanings. “Is the problem that he is rich and influential, or that he’s not left-wing?” she asked rhetorically. Meloni argued that Musk is not “dangerous to democracy,” and clarified that election interference occurs when wealthy individuals use their resources to support political parties and movements across the world. She pointed to Soros as a prime example, stating that the Hungarian-American financier’s influence, through his Open Society Foundations network, is a more significant threat to democratic integrity.
Meloni’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny of Musk’s political statements and his increasing involvement in U.S. politics. The tech mogul is set to play a prominent role in the incoming Trump administration, having been selected alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to lead an unofficial “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). Musk has also been vocal in his criticisms of European governments, particularly in Germany and the UK, which have attracted further attention to his political clout.
While Meloni confirmed that Italy is in discussions with private companies, including Musk’s SpaceX, over telecommunications security, she was quick to deny any personal conversations with Musk on the matter. “I never talked about this with Musk. It’s not my habit to use my public role to do favours to friends,” she remarked.
The relationship between Meloni, a right-wing politician, and Musk has long attracted media attention. Meloni has repeatedly defended her interactions with the tech billionaire, assuring Italian lawmakers that her political decisions would not be swayed by his economic interests.
Musk has also taken aim at Soros in recent weeks, particularly after US President Joe Biden awarded the financier the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Musk compared Soros to a villain from the Star Wars franchise, drawing attention to the controversial activities of Soros’ Open Society Foundations, which seeks to influence political processes in various countries. The foundation’s operations have been outlawed in nations such as Russia, Pakistan, and the Philippines due to its political influence.
