Prime Minister Meloni Closes Atreju 2025 with Keynote Address
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni concluded the annual Atreju 2025 political festival in Rome on Sunday, December 14, 2025, with a powerful keynote speech. Addressing a large audience at Castel Sant'Angelo, Meloni staunchly defended her government's performance and issued a call for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defense. The nine-day event, organized by Meloni's Fratelli d'Italia (Brothers of Italy) party, attracted over 100,000 attendees and served as a significant platform for conservative debate.
Defense of Government Record and Policy Achievements
During her address, Prime Minister Meloni highlighted what she described as significant achievements of her administration. She cited improvements in Italy's GDP growth, a reduction in illegal immigration, and successful implementation of reforms within the justice system. Meloni asserted that her government has 'delivered on its promises' despite various challenges, including the economic climate and geopolitical tensions. She also affirmed her government's commitment to remain in office until the end of the legislature. The Prime Minister used the platform to directly address and criticize opposition parties and trade unions, emphasizing her administration's distinct approach to governance.
Call for Autonomous European Defense
A substantial portion of Meloni's speech was dedicated to the imperative of a stronger, more autonomous European defense. She explicitly called for Europe to bolster its own defense capabilities, citing signals from the United States, particularly under President Donald Trump, indicating an intent to disengage from European security commitments. Meloni urged European leaders to 'take charge of our own destiny' and reduce reliance on external powers, advocating for a robust European defense structure capable of engaging with global powers on equal terms. She remarked, 'For eighty years we outsourced our security to the US pretending it was free, but there was a price to pay and that price is called conditioning. Freedom has a price.'
Atreju: A Platform for Conservative Dialogue
The Atreju 2025 festival, held under the theme 'Italy with Head Held High' or 'You Have Become Strong – Italy Holds Its Head High,' brought together a diverse array of conservative leaders, intellectuals, and activists. The event, which ran from December 6 to December 14, featured numerous debates and discussions on national and international issues. While serving as a showcase for the ruling coalition's agenda, Atreju also provided a forum for opposition figures, such as Giuseppe Conte of the Five Star Movement, to voice their critiques of the government's policies. The festival underscored the unity within Italy's center-right coalition, with other prominent leaders like Matteo Salvini and Antonio Tajani also participating.
5 Comments
Bermudez
Meloni is delivering! Finally, a leader who keeps promises.
Africa
Meloni's defense of her government highlights her strong leadership, but critics argue that her policies often come at the expense of social cohesion and democratic checks and balances.
Comandante
While calls for a stronger European defense are understandable given global shifts, the practicalities and funding mechanisms remain incredibly complex and divisive among member states.
Bermudez
Reducing illegal immigration is a stated goal for many, yet the methods employed often raise significant human rights concerns and don't address the root causes of migration effectively.
Africa
GDP growth? For whom? Still struggling here.