Meloni says defense spending still ‘absolute priority’ but economy comes first

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday that she has not shifted her stance on boosting defense spending, but acknowledged that Italy now faces urgent economic priorities that cannot be ignored. Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting, Meloni said: “I haven’t changed my mind … on the issue of defense spending. I take responsibility for it because I know it’s not a very popular issue.” She added that “responsible people should also do what’s right, not just what’s immediately popular,” reiterating that defense remains “an absolute priority.”

Economic pressures

However, Meloni pivoted to the current economic reality, saying: “Today I must prioritize what’s happening on the economic level, because if I no longer have a nation, there’s no need for me to defend it.” She stressed that the government will try to balance its commitments based on shifting priorities. “Maybe we won’t do everything we could have done or should have done, let’s try to make ends meet,” she added. The comments come as Italy faces rising energy costs and trade disruptions from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which have fueled inflation and slowed growth.