No Conflict Between Military and Social Budgets, Says Italian Defence Chief

During a broadcast for the "Pentelaria Mediterraneo d’Autore" project, Italy’s defence minister Guido Crosetto dismissed the notion that defence spending competes with health, culture or welfare funding. He argued that without a credible defence posture, a country cannot guarantee the safety needed for any social initiative to succeed. Crosetto praised the enduring bond with the United States, saying that institutional dialogues continue regularly and the partnership remains as strong as it was years ago. He also touched on the political approach of former US President Donald Trump, noting that Trump’s style often involves applying pressure on partner nations to secure cooperation. Addressing broader international trends, Crosetto warned that future rivalry among great powers will revolve around technology, raw materials, rare earth elements and energy supplies, reinforcing the need for collective security arrangements.