In a notable development, Italy’s president criticized Elon Musk for his recent comments regarding the country's immigration policies on the X platform. Musk's posts included a call for the removal of judges who temporarily halted the government's plan to relocate migrants to Albania.
Musk stated, “These judges need to go,” in reference to the Roman judges who paused the government's request to outsource asylum requests to the Balkan nation. He further questioned Italy's democratic integrity, asking, “Do the people of Italy live in a democracy or does an unelected autocracy make the decisions?”
Italy’s president, Sergio Mattarella, responded sharply, asserting that Italy is capable of managing its own affairs. He emphasized the need for respect regarding the country’s sovereignty, particularly from individuals poised to assume significant roles in allied nations.
Musk, known for his influence since Donald J. Trump’s presidential election, has previously engaged in discussions on Italy's internal matters and has expressed support for the government’s anti-immigration policies. His remarks coincided with Trump naming Musk to lead a new government initiative.
Mattarella's intervention is unusual given his role as head of state, separate from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration. His responsibilities include overseeing the high council of judiciary, which maintains judicial independence.
Critics of Meloni praised Mattarella’s remarks while chastising Meloni for not condemning Musk's comments, despite her political stance centered around protecting Italy's sovereignty. Although Meloni's office did not comment, a government under secretary stated that her party, Brothers of Italy, opposes foreign interference in domestic matters.
Musk has previously voiced his opinions on the ongoing tension between Italy's conservative politicians and the judicial system, supporting the government in its opposition to non-governmental organizations involved in migrant rescues.
In the wake of Musk's comments, a representative from Sea Watch International criticized his views on Italy's judiciary, to which Musk responded by labeling the organization as a “criminal organization.” Sea Watch countered, defending its actions as necessary observations of harsh policies at sea.
Musk has also supported far-right Italian leader Matteo Salvini, who is currently on trial for his actions related to preventing a migrant rescue boat from docking. Musk described the trial as “outrageous” and voiced support for Salvini's approach to immigration enforcement.
The situation is particularly tense given the ongoing conflict between Italy's conservative government and the judiciary. Meloni has introduced a controversial anti-migration plan to detain asylum seekers in Albania while their claims are processed—a plan recently halted by judges citing violations of European court rulings.
The judicial ruling has reignited disputes over alleged judicial overreach and perceived political bias among Italian magistrates. The government’s request to detain additional migrants in Albania was also denied, with the case now pending review by the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Despite their disagreements, Musk and Meloni share concerns about Italy’s demographic challenges and the development of artificial intelligence. Meloni has previously engaged with Musk after Trump’s election, showcasing their interactions at a Global Citizen Award event where Musk introduced her.
Speculation arose from their public engagements, prompting Musk to clarify their relationship status in a lighthearted manner.