Italy’s premier defends friendship with Elon Musk and asserts her independence

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni gestures during the Senate session in Rome. Picture: Roberto Monaldo/LaPresse via AP

Italian premier Giorgia Meloni has defended her friendship with US tech billionaire and Trump confidant Elon Musk.

She told Italian legislators that she would not be influenced in areas where Mr Musk has economic interests.