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Giorgia Meloni has sharply criticized the head of Italy’s largest labor union after the official referred to Meloni as “the courtesan” of ex-President Donald Trump.

Background of the Controversial Remarks

CGIL leader Maurizio Landini, who heads Italy’s CGIL labor organization, made the statement in a televised interview this Tuesday. This followed international leaders, including Meloni, attended a summit on Middle East peace held in Egypt.

Landini claimed Meloni of “not having lifted a finger” to advance peace in Gaza, remarking her role was limited to “playing Trump’s courtesan”. Luckily, the Italian citizens took to the street to defend the dignity and honour of Italy,” he stated.

Prime Minister’s Reply

On her social media accounts on Thursday, the Prime Minister stated that Landini was clearly blinded by a mounting resentment (that I comprehend)”. She went on to post a explanation of the expression “courtesan”.

“I think it is widely understood the usual interpretation associated with this expression, but, to help anyone unfamiliar, I have posted the initial definition located via a quick internet search,” the Prime Minister stated, attaching a capture that said: “Woman of easy virtue, heterosexual; euphemism, escort.”

Meloni additionally rebuked her political rivals on the left, noting that for decades they had “lectured us on respect for women” only to then disparage a woman by “referring to her as a prostitute”.

Landini’s Clarification

In response to Meloni’s statement, the union leader contended that there were “no misogynistic remarks” directed at the Prime Minister and that the term was meant to imply “Trump’s subordinate”.

Via a released message, he clarified: “During a brief interview, that is publicly available, to prevent misinterpretation or misuse of the expression, I made it clear what I meant – that the Prime Minister was trailing behind Trump, she was in Trump’s circle, she acted as Trump’s subordinate.”

Connection with the US President

Meloni has steadily built cordial connections with the American leader. While addressing the audience at the Egypt summit, Trump faced Meloni – the lone woman present at the summit – and complimented her beauty. “Across America, such a remark might be career-ending,” he said. “Still, I am willing to chance it. Is it alright if I state you look beautiful? As you are indeed beautiful.”

President Trump later praised Meloni as “an inspiration to all” in regarding the English translation of her book, I Am Giorgia: My Roots, My Principles, which contains a introduction by Trump’s son.

Past Events

During the summer, Meloni responded firmly after learning that altered images of Meloni and other prominent Italian women had been uploaded to a adult site, expressing her disgust, and showing “empathy and assistance to all the women who have been offended, insulted and violated”.