In response, the usually reserved 83-year-old President Mattarella made a rare public statement defending Italy's sovereignty and demanding respect from foreign figures. While he didn't mention Musk by name, Mattarella's message was clear: "Italy is a proud democratic nation and capable of managing its own affairs. Anyone, especially if soon to assume a key role in a friendly country's government, should respect our sovereignty and refrain from issuing directives."
Mattarella's comments also pointed to Musk's recent appointment by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to co-lead a "Department of Government Efficiency." Although Musk did not directly respond, he later posted, questioning whether Italy was truly democratic if unelected judges held such power. His comments fueled more resentment among Italians, with Italy's National Magistrates' Association and opposition politicians condemning Musk's interference as "unacceptable" and a threat to Italian sovereignty. Center-left politicians went further, accusing Musk of aspiring to be an "oligarch" controlling global politics.
Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini, a right-wing leader and Trump supporter, publicly backed Musk's remarks, while centrist politician Carlo Calenda praised Mattarella for "protecting Italy's dignity." The incident places Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a self-professed friend of Musk, in a delicate position. Although she has not directly commented, her office issued a statement acknowledging the president's remarks, showing support without explicitly siding with either Musk or Mattarella.
This incident follows a similar dispute last week when Musk referred to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as a "fool" after the German coalition government's collapse. Musk's recent criticisms of European leaders have sparked growing concerns over his influence and intentions in global political discourse.
