A storm that from Rome reaches straight to Brussels. The Government has denied that an agreement has already been signedagreement between the Italian government and Space X, Elon Musk's space company, for the supply of secure telecommunications services. Palazzo Chigi has however confirmed "normal in-depth discussions" with the companies that deal with these dossiers. The indiscretion has triggered the wrath of the opposition who ask the government to report to parliament and speak of "risks for our national security". Concern also on the part of the EU Commission who made it known not having been informed on the negotiations between Rome and Musk.
Agreement between Italy and Space X: the government denies
The bomb was dropped on Monday by Bloomberg, according to which advanced discussions are underway between Italy and Elon Musk's Space X to provide secure telecommunications services to our country with a five-year contract worth 1,5 billion.
A piece of news that immediately triggered a reaction from the opposition, also causing concern in Brussels. Palazzo Chigi was therefore forced to intervene to officially deny that a contract has been signed with Musk, but confirming “normal in-depth discussions” with the companies that deal with these dossiers. The Government also denied that it was discussed during Meloni’s trip to Donald Trump: “it’s ridiculous to even think about it,” they say. A position also confirmed by Undersecretary to the Presidency Alfredo Mantovano.
Musk's intervention on social media
The government's denial was not enough to calm the controversy, also fueled by a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Elon Musk, who said he was “ready” to “provide Italy with the most secure and advanced connectivity!”. The leader of the League also came to act as a “sponsor” Matteo Salvini who, again on X, defended a possible operation between Rome and Space X: "Musk is a protagonist of innovation on a global level: a possible agreement with him to guarantee connection and modernity throughout Italy would not be a danger but an opportunity", wrote the deputy prime minister who then (in contrast to Chigi's caution) added: “I trust that the government will accelerate in this direction, because offering better services to citizens is a duty”.
Opposition on the warpath
Diametrically opposed is the opinion of the opposition parties that ask for more details on the matter. The first useful opportunity will be the question time scheduled for Wednesday in the Chamber in which Avs has already announced that it wants to present a question to the government. And it is not excluded that the request of the Greens and the Left will remain isolated.
The party leaders are asking that the Prime Minister herself appear in Parliament to give explanations, one after the other: "Are the 'patriots' in the Government putting our national security in the hands of Musk for the modest sum of 1,5 billion public funds? We ask President Meloni and the entire Government for immediate transparency in front of Parliament", is the accusation of the M5S leader. Giuseppe Conte.
The secretary of the Democratic Party, Elly Schlein, was also harsh: “Italy is not selling out,” she said, and Meloni “do not think you can get away with a few lines entrusted to press agencies and friendly newspapers. You and your government should come immediately to report to Parliament on the negotiations with Musk.”
If Musk wants to invest in Italy, he is welcome. If Musk wants the money of Italian taxpayers, Meloni must explain why, how and when. It seems like the least I could do, right? We will get to the bottom of this,” said the leader of Italia Viva Matthew Renzi.
The leader of Action, Carlo Calenda commented: “I find it extremely dangerous to sign contracts with Starlink by placing pieces of our security in the hands of an increasingly out-of-control madman, who regularly and violently interferes in European internal political issues.”
