by InTrieste
A controversial proposal for Italy to sign a €1.5 billion contract with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to secure government telecommunications services has reignited political tensions, as opposition parties urge Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to reconsider the deal.
The debate resurfaced after Musk, who plays an influential role in former President Donald Trump’s administration, posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Ukraine’s “entire front line would collapse” without access to Starlink’s satellite service. His remarks, following a public spat with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, drew renewed scrutiny over the extent of Musk’s geopolitical influence.
Musk’s Proposal to Meet Mattarella
Over the weekend, Musk stated on X that it “would be an honor” to discuss the deal with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. However, Italian media have reported that such a meeting is unlikely, as negotiations on the proposed agreement fall under the jurisdiction of Meloni’s government rather than the president.
The five-year contract reportedly includes a high-level encryption system designed to secure Italy’s government telephone networks, internet services, and military communications. Yet, growing concerns within the government, amplified by a report in The Financial Times on Sunday, suggest that the deal may be at risk.
Opposition Leaders Express Alarm
Italy’s opposition parties have strongly opposed the agreement, citing concerns over Musk’s unpredictable political affiliations and influence. The latest controversy surrounding his statements on Ukraine has further galvanized critics.
Elly Schlein, leader of the center-left Democratic Party (PD), called on the government to “change course immediately.” In a Facebook post on Monday, she questioned Meloni’s willingness to “hand over the keys to Italy’s national security” to Musk, whom she accused of making “very serious statements.”
Carlo Calenda, leader of the centrist Azione party, labeled Musk “not reliable” and urged the government to explore alternatives. “We should close all negotiations with Starlink and work with Eutelsat,” Calenda said, referencing Bloomberg reports that the French satellite operator was in discussions with Rome.
Coalition Divisions Over the Deal
Even within Meloni’s governing coalition, skepticism has emerged. Forza Italia (FI), a key partner in the center-right alliance, has distanced itself from the proposal.
“Caution is always needed in political decisions, especially when national security is at stake,” FI national spokesperson Raffaele Nevi told Affaritaliani.it. “This should not be a choice influenced by political emotions or personal relationships with Musk.”
Salvini’s Strong Support for Starlink
In contrast, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the right-wing Lega party, has voiced strong support for the deal. Speaking to ANSA on Monday, Salvini described a potential meeting between Musk and Mattarella as “stimulating” and dismissed opposition concerns.
“If Starlink connects half the world, I don’t see why the Left should reject it out of hand,” Salvini said. He further emphasized that his support for the agreement was based on national security rather than personal admiration for Musk or political alignment with Trump. “I’d be ready to sign the deal tomorrow morning,” he stated.
Meloni, who has previously defended her friendship with Musk, addressed concerns about the deal in January. “Musk is not a danger to democracy,” she told reporters, adding: “Is the issue that he is wealthy and influential, or that he is not left-wing?”
With mounting pressure from both the opposition and factions within her own coalition, Meloni now faces a crucial decision: whether to move forward with the Starlink agreement or heed calls for an alternative path.
