Erdoğan Targets Meloni’s Smoking Habit in Lighthearted Exchange

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has set his sights on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s smoking habit. During a recent meeting aimed at addressing the conflict in Gaza, Erdoğan expressed his concern for Meloni’s health and promised to help her quit smoking.

Erdoğan remarked, “You look great. But I have to make you stop smoking,” according to reports from the Italian daily Il Foglio and other media outlets. His playful comments came as the two leaders engaged in a lighthearted conversation on the sidelines of the summit.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who was present during the exchange, responded with humor, declaring, “It’s impossible!” This elicited laughter from both Erdoğan and Meloni. Meloni acknowledged the challenge, saying, “I know, I know,” and added her own concerns about quitting smoking, joking, “I don’t want to kill somebody.”

Meloni revealed that she had recently resumed smoking after being smoke-free for 13 years. She noted that her habit has sometimes helped her bond with fellow politicians, reflecting on the social aspects of smoking in political circles. Her candid remarks have drawn attention to the often complex relationship between personal choices and professional interactions.

The exchange captures a blend of personal concern and camaraderie among world leaders during an important discussion on international issues.