Di whole world dey talk about di latest drama between Donald Trump and Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Trump claim say Meloni beg am for photo at G7 summit, but Meloni fire back: ‘Italy no dey beg!’
Dis one happen after Trump suffer strategic defeat for Iran. Instead to focus on dat, he turn to bully di Italian leader. But Meloni no be small girl wey he fit intimidate. She be di head of government for one big nation, member of G7, NATO, and European Union, and loyal ally of US.
Trump show again say he no sabi di difference between him as person and di office wey he hold. When he talk like dat, he dey disrespect di whole Italy. Meloni do well to sabbie am: ‘Italy no dey beg.’ Even President Mattarella show solidarity with her.
Some people think Trump dey act like madman, but maybe na strategy. He get old-style authoritarian view of international relations. If he treat enemy like Iran like dat, e worse for friend and ally. Meloni be di only right-wing leader for Europe, supposed to be ally of MAGA movement.
Di question now na: How Europe and US fit mend di relationship based on shared values? Many believe e no go happen while Trump dey White House. Meloni don see am. But Italy must still talk and make deals with US. Di foreign minister bin cancel visit to US for protest, but normal relations go resume.
Dis ugly episode teach lesson: international relations no be about personal friendship. National interest go beyond any leader. Di leaders must stop chasing temporary powerful people for photo ops. Italy need broad foreign policy wey unite Parliament, not divide am. What matter na di weight of di country – economy, military, history, culture, soft power, and national dignity.
Meloni wey call herself sovereignist suppose know dis pass anybody. After di common anger against di bully for White House, di whole Italian political class must learn. Even opposition wey wan use di insult for political gain suppose remember say di attack na against all Italy.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also show solidarity with Meloni. He say for press conference after EU summit: ‘I express my solidarity to her for dis attack wey no be political or personal – I no even know how to define am.’
