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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italy /Elections & Politics

Berlusconi on Vannacci: 'Propaganda is propaganda, let's see the program'

From ANSA · () Italian

Translated from Italian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Pier Silvio Berlusconi commented on the potential political rise of Roberto Vannacci, suggesting caution regarding his program.
  • He stated that Forza Italia will decide its stance on Vannacci autonomously.
  • Berlusconi also expressed strong support for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following Donald Trump's critical remarks.

Pier Silvio Berlusconi offered his thoughts on the political future of Roberto Vannacci, a figure who has gained prominence. While acknowledging Vannacci's communication skills, Berlusconi advised a wait-and-see approach regarding his political program. "Propaganda is propaganda, and Vannacci knows it very well," Berlusconi remarked, suggesting that Vannacci's current activities lean towards self-promotion. He emphasized that the true test would be the coherence of Vannacci's proposed program with the center-right coalition's platform.

I would never presume to give advice to Meloni. It's not my job, there is a prime minister who I think is doing a great job.

โ€” Pier Silvio BerlusconiResponding to questions about political advice.

Berlusconi made it clear that the decision on how to engage with Vannacci rests solely with Forza Italia. "Forza Italia will decide in full autonomy what to do," he stated, refraining from offering direct advice to the party or the government. He reiterated the distinction between "propaganda" and "programs," urging a focus on the latter to determine Vannacci's suitability for the center-right.

Vannacci? Italy is no stranger to phenomena that grow from nothing. He is a good communicator and now, in coherence with my thinking about what the center-right should be, for his propaganda I would say no, but propaganda is propaganda and Vannacci knows it very well.

โ€” Pier Silvio BerlusconiCommenting on Roberto Vannacci's political potential.

In a separate but related comment, Berlusconi voiced strong solidarity with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after Donald Trump's recent criticisms. He described himself as "offended" by Trump's remarks, calling them "unjust." Berlusconi praised Meloni's handling of international relations, particularly her ability to balance ties with the United States while upholding European positions. "I am proud to be Italian," he declared, offering his full support to Meloni amidst the diplomatic tension.

Let's wait to see the program and we will see if it is consistent with that of the center-right.

โ€” Pier Silvio BerlusconiExpressing a conditional stance on Vannacci's political aspirations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ANSA in Italian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.