In an unprecedented move, Italian President Sergio Mattarella issued a stern warning to U.S. billionaire Elon Musk on Wednesday, urging him to refrain from interfering in Italy’s domestic affairs. The rebuke followed Musk’s contentious remarks on X (formerly Twitter), where he criticized Rome judges for blocking a key government anti-immigration initiative and suggested they should be removed.
Musk Sparks Outrage Over Migration Comments
Elon Musk’s social media post targeted a panel of Rome magistrates who questioned the legality of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s controversial plan to detain asylum-seekers in Albania. The initiative, designed to deter irregular immigration, faced a legal challenge that required a small group of migrants initially transferred to Albania to be brought back to Italy.
“These judges need to go,” Musk wrote on Tuesday, igniting a media storm. Italian newspapers featured his remarks prominently on Wednesday, just as Musk was reportedly being considered for a high-profile role in U.S. governance under President-elect Donald Trump.
“Italy Can Handle Itself”: Mattarella Defends Sovereignty
President Mattarella, widely respected across Italy, firmly dismissed Musk’s comments. “Italy is a great democratic country and knows how to take care of itself,” he said. In an implicit reference to Musk’s potential U.S. government role, Mattarella added, “Anyone, particularly if, as announced, he is about to assume an important role of government in a friendly and allied country, must respect its sovereignty and cannot give himself the task of issuing its instructions.”
Musk Attempts to Clarify Position
In response, Musk expressed “respect” for Mattarella and the Italian constitution via his Italian representative Andrea Stroppa. However, he defended his right to voice opinions, emphasizing his commitment to open dialogue. Musk also revealed he had a “friendly” conversation with Prime Minister Meloni, where he expressed hopes for stronger Italian-U.S. relations and indicated his desire to meet Mattarella.
While Meloni remained silent on Musk’s remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the far-right League party, sided with the entrepreneur. “@elonmusk is right,” Salvini tweeted.
EU Court Ruling Complicates Meloni’s Migration Strategy
At the heart of the controversy lies a recent ruling by the European Union’s Court of Justice (ECJ), which has implications for Italy’s migration policy. The court decreed that no country could be considered entirely safe for deportation if even parts of it posed dangers, casting doubt on Italy’s efforts to repatriate undocumented migrants to nations like Tunisia, Egypt, and Bangladesh.
This ruling undercut Meloni’s government plan to establish migrant detention centers in Albania. These centers aimed to expedite the processing and repatriation of migrants intercepted at sea. However, the Rome court’s intervention halted repatriations until further clarification from the ECJ. Consequently, two groups of migrants sent to Albania in recent weeks were promptly transferred back to Italy, leaving the policy in legal limbo.
Legal Uncertainty Persists
Italy’s supreme court is set to review the Rome court’s ruling in early December. However, legal experts believe the final decision will rest with the ECJ, which could take weeks or even months to provide clarity. An ECJ official confirmed that the Luxembourg-based court is still deliberating whether Italy’s policy of repatriating migrants to third countries meets European legal standards.
A Clash of Narratives
The unfolding drama highlights growing tensions between Italy’s right-wing government and its judiciary, with international figures like Musk adding fuel to the fire. For Meloni, whose administration has prioritized a hardline stance on immigration, the legal challenges pose a significant hurdle to delivering on her flagship promises.
As Italy grapples with its migration crisis, Mattarella’s firm defence of judicial independence underscores the country’s commitment to its democratic principles, even in the face of external pressures.
This episode not only spotlights the complexities of Italy’s migration policies but also raises questions about the role of influential global figures in national politics.