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Giorgia Meloni has sharply criticized the leader of the major Italian trade union after the official described her as “the courtesan” of ex-President Donald Trump.

Background of the Disputed Comments

Maurizio Landini, who heads the CGIL union, uttered the words during a television appearance this Tuesday. This occurred after world leaders, Meloni among them, participated in a Middle East peace summit held in Egypt.

The union leader asserted the Prime Minister of “doing nothing” to promote peace in Gaza, saying her role was limited to “acting as Trump’s courtesan”. Luckily, citizens of Italy protested to defend the honor and dignity of Italy,” he stated.

Official Reaction

Via an online post on Thursday, Meloni stated that the union chief was clearly blinded by a mounting resentment (which I can understand)”. She went on to publish a definition of the expression “courtesan”.

“I believe it is widely understood the most common meaning attributed to this term, but, to assist those who might not, I’m publishing the first definition located via a quick internet search,” Meloni said, attaching a image that stated: “Woman of loose morals, heterosexual; polite expression, sex worker.”

She additionally rebuked her left-leaning critics, noting that over many years they had “lectured us on respect for women” only to then criticize a woman by “referring to her as a prostitute”.

Union Leader’s Explanation

Replying to Meloni’s statement, the union leader argued that there were “no misogynistic remarks” toward Meloni and that his use of “an underling to Trump”.

Through an official comment, he clarified: “In a 10-minute interview, which anyone can easily rewatch, to avoid any misunderstanding or misuse of the expression, I made it clear what I meant – that Meloni was trailing behind Trump, she attended Trump’s court, she was Trump’s lackey.”

Meloni’s Relations with Trump

The Italian leader has consistently maintained amicable ties with President Trump. During a speech in Egypt, the US President addressed Meloni – the sole female present at the summit – and called her “beautiful”. “Across America, it would be career-ending,” he noted. “Still, I am willing to chance it. Is it alright if I state you’re beautiful? Because you truly are beautiful.”

President Trump subsequently commended Meloni as “a role model for everyone” in reference to the English version of her book, I Am Giorgia: My Roots, My Principles, which contains a preface by Donald Trump Jr..

Past Events

During the summer, Meloni also hit back after finding out that altered images of her and other prominent Italian women had been uploaded to a explicit platform, expressing her disgust, and expressing “empathy and assistance to the women who have been offended, insulted and violated”.