Italian president tells Elon Musk to quit meddling in Italy’s domestic politics

The highly unusual statement from the Italian head of state came against growing tension between the ruling coalition and the judiciary

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Italian President Sergio Mattarella consistently tops opinion polls as the most respected leader in Italy. Photo: AP

Published: 10:13pm, 13 Nov 2024Updated: 12:13am, 14 Nov 2024

President Sergio Mattarella told Elon Musk on Wednesday not to interfere in Italian affairs after the US billionaire said Rome judges blocking a government anti-immigration initiative should be sent packing.

The highly unusual statement from the Italian head of state came against a backdrop of growing tension between the ruling coalition and the judiciary that has attracted the attention of Musk, who is a friend of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

“These judges need to go,” Musk wrote on X on Tuesday, referring to a panel of Rome magistrates who had questioned the legality of a government initiative to detain asylum seekers in Albania – a measure aimed at discouraging irregular immigration.

The magistrates’ move meant a small group of migrants just taken to Albania had to be brought to Italy, casting doubt on Meloni’s flagship plan to crack down on irregular arrivals.

Elon Musk presents Italy’s President Giorgia Meloni with an award during the Global Citizen Awards. Photo: AP

Musk’s comment was splashed on the front pages of Italian newspapers on Wednesday and came just hours before US President-elect Donald Trump had given him a leading role aimed at creating more efficient government in the United States.