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Giorgia Meloni has strongly condemned the head of Italy’s largest labor union after the official labeled Meloni as the “courtesan” of ex-President Donald Trump.

Context of the Controversial Comments

CGIL leader Maurizio Landini, the head of Italy’s CGIL labor organization, made the statement on a TV program on Tuesday. This came just after world leaders, Meloni among them, convened for a peace conference for the Middle East in Egypt.

The union leader claimed Meloni of “not having lifted a finger” to secure peace in Gaza, remarking her role was confined to “serving as Trump’s courtesan”. Luckily, the Italian citizens demonstrated to defend the dignity and honour of Italy,” he stated.

Official Reaction

In a social media post on Thursday, the Prime Minister declared that the union chief was obviously obscured by increasing animosity (that I comprehend)”. She proceeded to share a definition of the expression “courtesan”.

“I believe it is widely understood the most common meaning given to this term, but, to help those who might not, I have posted the initial definition obtained from a simple web search,” Meloni explained, attaching a screenshot that read: “Woman of easy virtue, heterosexual; polite expression, escort.”

She additionally rebuked her leftwing opponents, observing that for decades they had “lectured us on women’s rights” only to then attack a woman by “labeling her a prostitute”.

Landini’s Clarification

In response to the post, Landini argued that there were “no sexist insults” directed at the Prime Minister and that his use of “Trump’s lackey”.

In a statement, he clarified: “During a brief interview, readily accessible to all, to clarify any confusion or misuse of the expression, I promptly explained my intended meaning – that the Prime Minister was on the coat tails of Trump, she attended Trump’s court, she acted as Trump’s subordinate.”

Meloni’s Relations with Trump

Meloni has steadily built amicable ties with President Trump. In a public address at the Egypt summit, the US President faced Meloni – the only woman present at the summit – and called her “beautiful”. “In the United States, this could be politically fatal,” he remarked. “Still, I am willing to chance it. Do you mind if I say you look beautiful? Since you are genuinely beautiful.”

The US president subsequently commended her as “an inspiration to all” in regarding the English translation of her publication, I Am Giorgia: My Roots, My Principles, which features a preface by his son.

Previous Incidents

In August, the Prime Minister also hit back after learning that doctored photos of Meloni and other well-known Italian females had been posted on a adult site, expressing her disgust, and showing “unity and backing to all the women who have been violated, insulted, and offended”.