President Sergio Mattarella told Elon Musk not to meddle in Italian affairs after the United States (U.S.) billionaire suggested that Roman judges blocking a government anti-immigration initiative should be sent packing.
The highly unusual statement from Italy’s head of state came amid rising tensions between the ruling coalition and the judiciary, which had drawn Musk’s attention, 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 Roman judges who questioned the legality of the government’s initiative to detain asylum seekers in Albania– a measure intended to deter irregular immigration.
The move by the judges meant that a small group of migrants who had just been transferred to Albania had to be brought to Italy, casting doubt on Giorgia Meloni’s primary plan to curb irregular arrivals.
Musk’s comment made the front pages of Italian newspapers yesterday and came only hours before newly elected President Donald Trump offered him a leading role aimed at building a more efficient U.S. government.
“Italy is a great democratic country and… knows how to look after itself,” said Mattarella, who consistently ranks as Italy’s most respected leader.
“Everyone, especially if they are set to assume an important government role in a friendly and allied country, must respect its sovereignty and cannot take it upon themselves to offer instructions,” stated the Italian president.
