Italy's PM Giorgia Meloni believes Islam and Europe have a 'compatibility' issue. Here's why
Italy PM Georgia Meloni sparks controversy after her comments on Islam's compatibility with European culture. (Photo: X/Georgia Meloni)
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stirred a controversy by saying that there is a "compatibility problem" between Islamic culture and European values during an event organised by her Brothers of Italy party.
Her comments were made on Sunday, December 17, during a political festival organized by her party in Rome, which was attended by UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and billionaire Elon Musk.
What did she say?
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed concerns regarding the compatibility issue between Islamic culture and European values at an event hosted by her right-wing, ultra-conservative party.
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni: "I believe... there is a problem of compatibility between Islamic culture and the values and rights of our civilization... Will not allow Sharia law to be implemented in italy.... values of our civilization are different! pic.twitter.com/kDYslfQ58W
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) December 17, 2023
- She highlighted concerns about the financial backing of Islamic cultural centers in Italy and criticized Saudi Arabia for its strict Sharia-based laws.
- UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak supported Meloni's approach to migration, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the compatibility issue.
Rishi Sunak: Migrants are a "weapon" to "destabilise" and "overwhelm" our country, and will "destroy" our faith in government. pic.twitter.com/S2d0LzQ8m7
— Femi (@Femi_Sorry) December 17, 2023
Meloni goes after Saudi Arabia
- Meloni criticised Saudi Arabia's strict Sharia law, which deems apostasy and homosexuality as crimes.
- Sharia, or Islamic law, comprises a set of principles rooted in the Quran and Hadith, the primary religious texts of Islam.
- At the event, Rishi Sunak talked about making global changes to the asylum system. He also warned that a growing number of refugees could 'overwhelm' parts of Europe.
- Even prior to these remarks, Meloni faced criticism for her efforts to restrict the operations of humanitarian rescue vessels in the Mediterranean.