Mattarella-Musk Meeting Would Be Stimulating Says Salvini
Milan: Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini on Monday expressed that a potential meeting between Elon Musk and Italian President Sergio Mattarella would be stimulating. This comment was made during an event at the prefect’s office in Milan, in response to SpaceX owner Elon Musk’s request to engage in talks with the head of the Italian State.
According to Ansa News Agency, Salvini stated, “I am not in charge of Musk’s or President Mattarella’s agendas,” emphasizing his position as the leader of the right-wing League party. He further remarked on the neutrality required in technological decisions, saying, “Also, I am not the one to decide whether technology A or technology B is ok.” Salvini highlighted the global connectivity facilitated by Starlink, Musk’s satellite provider, questioning why there would be opposition from the Left against a potential Rome-Musk deal.
Salvini underscored the importance of setting aside personal biases when discussing national security. Elon Musk had earlier expressed on X that it would be an honor to converse with President Mattarella, following a user’s claim that Mattarella was hindering a potential agreement between the Italian government and Starlink.
On Sunday, Salvini urged the Italian government to proceed with signing a contract with Musk’s SpaceX for the utilization of Starlink satellites to secure Italian government telecommunications. He critiqued the opposition from the Left, stating, “Those on the Left who say no to Musk no matter what are wrong.” Salvini advocated for the potential benefits of such a contract, asserting that it would enhance Italy’s national security due to the substantial satellite network Starlink offers, comprising 7,000 satellites in orbit.
He concluded by expressing his reluctance to rely on the French satellite operator Eutelsat, indicating his preference for a deal with Starlink, not out of personal admiration for Musk or alignment with former US President Donald Trump, but for the strategic advantage it would provide Italy.