Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says she can’t quit smoking… she might ‘kill somebody’
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni joked that he would probably kill someone if he had to quit smoking.
The leader made the joke during a light-hearted exchange at the Gaza summit in Egypt, after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has vowed to make Türkiye smoke-free, challenged him about his smoking habit.
You look great. But I have to make you quit smoking,” said Ms Meloni, drawing laughter from Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron.
‘This is impossible,’ said the French president.
‘I know, I know,’ replied Ms. Meloni. ‘I don’t want to kill anyone.’
The 48-year-old recently revealed in a book that he started smoking again after quitting 13 years ago, and joked that cigarettes helped him bond with foreign leaders, including Tunisian president Kais Saied.
Mr. Erdogan was not the only leader to comment on Meloni at the summit. Donald Trump also delivered his signature eulogy following his speech to the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.
The US president told the assembled leaders that calling a woman ‘beautiful’ is now considered politically risky, but he doesn’t care.
The Italian leader made the joke during a light exchange at the Gaza summit in Egypt, after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan challenged him about his smoking habit.
The 48-year-old recently revealed in a book that he started smoking again after quitting 13 years ago (pictured in 2022)
‘I’m not allowed to say that because if you say that it’s usually the end of your political career. “She is a very beautiful young woman,” he said.
‘Now, if you use the word beautiful to describe a woman in the United States, that will be the end of your political career, but I’ll take my chance!’
Pointing to him he added: ‘Where is he? Here it is. You don’t mind being called beautiful, do you? Because you are.
‘He wanted to be here, he’s incredible and they really respect him in Italy. “He is a very successful politician.”
Ms. Meloni has cultivated close ties with the Trump administration, positioning herself as a key mediator between the EU and the United States on issues from trade to the war in Ukraine.
The summit also signaled that Italy is increasingly open to recognizing a Palestinian state following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
He said: ‘Frankly, if the plan is implemented, Italy’s recognition of Palestine will certainly be closer.’
Ms. Meloni added that Rome was ready to help stabilize Gaza by deploying Italian Carabinieri, potentially under UN authority.
‘Italy is ready to do its part,’ he said. ‘This is a great opportunity. This is a historic day. “I’m proud that Italy is here.”
