Italian President Sergio Mattarella issued a rare statement cautioning Elon Musk not to meddle in Italian affairs following the US billionaire's comments on Rome judges blocking a government anti-immigration initiative. Musk, a friend of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, had criticized a panel of Rome magistrates for questioning the legality of a government plan to detain asylum-seekers in Albania.
The dispute arose after a group of migrants taken to Albania had to be brought back to Italy due to the magistrates' intervention, casting doubt on Meloni's efforts to curb irregular immigration. Musk's remarks made headlines in Italy and drew attention to the growing tension between the ruling coalition and the judiciary.
President Mattarella emphasized Italy's sovereignty and democratic values, urging Musk to respect the country's autonomy. In response, Musk expressed his respect for Italy's constitution while reiterating his commitment to freely expressing his opinions. He also conveyed his hopes for stronger Italian-US relations and a future meeting with Mattarella.
The controversy stems from a recent ruling by the EU's Court of Justice, which challenged Italy's policy of repatriating visa-less migrants to their home countries. The ruling, applicable to the entire European Union, raised concerns about Italy's detention centers in Albania designed to expedite repatriations.
Legal experts anticipate a review by Italy's supreme court in early December, but the final decision is expected to rest with the ECJ. The Luxembourg-based court may take several weeks to clarify the legality of Italy's repatriation practices to designated 'safe' countries.
While Meloni refrained from commenting on Musk's statements, Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini supported the entrepreneur's views. The situation underscores the complex interplay between immigration policies, judicial decisions, and international relations in Italy.
