Lucrezia Ciotti Giorgia Meloni made a surprise visit to Fieracavalli 2026 in Verona. The Prime Minister attended the 128th edition of the event, even taking a short ride on a white horse to the applause and selfies of those in attendance. During the event, she spoke about the value of the equestrian industry, but also answered journalists' questions about cyberattacks, security, and the US elections.
Horse therapy, cyberattacks, and the US elections: President Meloni's statements
During her visit to Verona, Meloni also addressed other current issues, focusing in particular on social initiatives related to the world of horses. Responding to a question about projects aimed at people with disabilities, the Prime Minister highlighted the work carried out together with the Ministry for Disabilities and Minister Alessandra Locatelli, citing support for hippotherapy and other funded activities.
" It's a sector that needs to be encouraged, especially given the difficulties we face, especially among young people these days ," she stated. From the economic to the social dimension, the equestrian sector was therefore at the center of the Prime Minister's considerations, who reiterated the need to leverage its potential.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the prime minister also answered reporters' questions about recent hacker attacks and threats to civilian infrastructure.
Meloni clarified that it is not yet possible to determine whether the incidents reported in various countries, including the plasma attack in France, the false bomb threats on airplanes, and the attacks on food stores, are connected. However, she observed, " they are certainly all telling us the same thing: that today it is civilian infrastructure that is under attack ." Among the potentially exposed targets, she mentioned " food supplies, hospitals, possibly even healthcare " and transportation. Hence her defense of the need to invest in security : " When we talk about defense and security spending in a time like this, we are not simply talking about weapons, we are talking about making citizens' daily lives safe ."
International politics also took center stage , with a reference to the US midterm elections. Regarding the outcome of the vote, Meloni stated that she did not intend to intervene in the political dynamics of other countries: " The Americans have decided, and the elections are free and sovereign, and I do not like interfering in the dynamics of others ." The Prime Minister then assured that the election result would have no impact on relations between Rome and Washington: " It changes absolutely nothing in our relations with the Americans ." Finally, responding to a question about the possible impact of the American vote on international negotiations, she reiterated the importance of accelerating the process of finding a diplomatic solution: " We must hurry because it would be good news if we accelerated the process of negotiation ." She concluded: " I am doing what I can to ensure Europe is ready ," affirming Italy's contribution to the search for possible solutions.
Meloni makes a surprise appearance at Fieracavalli 2026: the prime minister rides a white horse.
Giorgia Meloni made a surprise visit to the 128th edition of Fieracavalli, scheduled for Friday, November 6, at Veronafiere . The Prime Minister officially attended the historic equestrian event for the first time , captivating visitors with photos, selfies, and greetings. While walking among the stands, the Prime Minister watched a performance organized in the area of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry (MASAF) before deciding to mount a horse. Mounting a white horse, she rode a short distance within a designated area , greeting those watching. She then reached the outdoor area of the event, where she visited a paddock with several ponies.
Asked by journalists about expectations for the event, Meloni emphasized the economic and employment importance of the equestrian sector, despite the current challenges. " I expect to hear the story of a sector that continues to deliver success, despite the, as we know, complex period we are experiencing ," she stated. The Prime Minister then highlighted the sector's numbers, which employs approximately one hundred thousand people , including related industries, and generates three billion euros in revenue. According to the Prime Minister, this is an opportunity to reaffirm the institutions' support for an industry that represents one of Italy's finest examples. " I believe it's right, as institutions, to be present and to pay attention ," she added, also highlighting the measures adopted by the government to support the sector.