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Giorgia Meloni has strongly condemned the head of the country’s biggest trade union after he referred to her as the “courtesan” of President Donald Trump.

Context of the Controversial Remarks

Maurizio Landini, the head of the CGIL union, issued the comment on a TV program this Tuesday. This followed world leaders, including Meloni, participated in a summit on Middle East peace held in Egypt.

Landini claimed Meloni of “failing to act” to promote peace in Gaza, stating her involvement was confined to “playing Trump’s courtesan”. Luckily, Italian people demonstrated to protect the dignity and honour of Italy,” he commented.

Official Reaction

On her social media accounts on Thursday, Meloni declared that the union chief was clearly blinded by growing bitterness (which is understandable)”. She then share a meaning of the term “courtesan”.

“I believe everyone knows the primary definition associated with this word, but, to assist those who might not, I’m publishing the initial definition located via a quick internet search,” the Prime Minister stated, attaching a screenshot that read: “Woman of easy virtue, heterosexual; polite expression, prostitute.”

She additionally rebuked her political rivals on the left, observing that for a long time they had admonished us on women’s rights” only to then attack a female leader by “referring to her as a prostitute”.

Landini’s Clarification

Replying to the Prime Minister’s comments, the union leader contended that there were “no sexist insults” directed at the Prime Minister and that the term was meant to imply “Trump’s lackey”.

Via a released message, he clarified: “In a 10-minute interview, that is publicly available, to avoid any misunderstanding or misuse of the expression, I promptly explained what I meant – that Meloni was on the coat tails of Trump, she was in Trump’s circle, she acted as Trump’s subordinate.”

Connection with the US President

Meloni has steadily built cordial connections with the American leader. While addressing the audience during the Middle East event, the US President addressed the Italian Prime Minister – the sole female at the event – and complimented her beauty. “In the United States, this could be career-ending,” he noted. “However, I will risk it. Do you mind if I say you’re beautiful? Since you are genuinely beautiful.”

President Trump afterwards lauded her as “an inspiration to all” in regarding the English translation of her book, I Am Giorgia: My Roots, My Principles, which features a introduction by Trump’s son.

Earlier Controversies

In August, Meloni responded firmly after learning that manipulated pictures of Meloni and other prominent Italian women had been uploaded to a explicit platform, expressing her disgust, and expressing “unity and backing to every woman who have been violated, insulted, and offended”.