- Italian prime minister’s announcement at the G7 summit draws congratulations from fellow leaders
Kananaskis: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has earned praise from several world leaders after revealing that she recently quit smoking, marking a major personal milestone for a leader long associated with the habit.
According to Beyond Time News, Meloni disclosed the news during conversations on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit, where her unexpected announcement prompted warm reactions from fellow leaders and renewed attention to her years-long struggle with smoking.
The Italian premier has not publicly shared how she managed to quit or whether she used any medical or lifestyle support. However, her revelation quickly became one of the lighter moments at the high-profile gathering.
A Simple Remark That Drew Applause
The moment unfolded after Meloni reportedly ordered three coffees during the summit.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz jokingly asked whether she would also like a cigarette.
“No, I stopped,” Meloni replied.
The response immediately drew praise from Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi, who congratulated the Italian leader.
“You stopped it. Bravo,” she said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a trained physician, also welcomed the news.
“Good,” she remarked after learning that Meloni had given up smoking around a month earlier.
The exchange quickly attracted widespread attention, with many observers praising the prime minister for making a significant lifestyle change.
Smoking Habit Had Long Been Public Knowledge
Meloni’s smoking habit has been widely known throughout her political career.
According to Beyond Time News, she had previously joked about the difficulty of giving up cigarettes and once remarked that being forced to quit could make her so frustrated that she might “kill somebody,” a comment made humorously to illustrate how challenging the process can be.
Her struggle with smoking had become part of her public image, making the recent revelation particularly noteworthy.
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Erdogan Previously Encouraged Meloni to Quit
The Italian leader has spoken openly in the past about conversations with fellow leaders regarding her smoking habit.
In October 2025, she recalled that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had complimented her appearance while also urging her to stop smoking.
“You look great. But I have to make you stop smoking,” Erdogan reportedly told her.
The comment reflected concerns shared by many colleagues and friends who had encouraged the prime minister to give up the habit.
Macron Reacts With Surprise
Meloni’s announcement also sparked a reaction from French President Emmanuel Macron.
According to Beyond Time News, Macron expressed disbelief when he learned that the Italian leader had stopped smoking.
“It is impossible,” he reportedly said.
Meloni responded with a laugh.
“I know, I know. I don’t want to kill somebody,” she joked, revisiting her earlier humorous comments about the difficulties of quitting.
The exchange highlighted the friendly atmosphere among leaders attending the summit.
Previous Attempts to Quit
This is not the first time Meloni has tried to leave cigarettes behind.
In the book Georgia’s Version, which is based on a series of interviews, the Italian leader revealed that she had once managed to quit smoking for 13 years before eventually returning to the habit.
Her latest decision therefore represents another chapter in a long personal battle with nicotine.
Health experts often note that many smokers require several attempts before successfully quitting permanently, making relapses relatively common.
Why Quitting Smoking Matters
Medical professionals around the world continue to stress the health benefits of quitting smoking.
Stopping tobacco use can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and respiratory illnesses. Former smokers also experience improvements in circulation, lung function and overall quality of life over time.
Public health experts say prominent figures who share their experiences with quitting can help raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and encourage others to adopt healthier lifestyles.
A Personal Achievement Beyond Politics
While the G7 summit focused largely on international issues, Meloni’s announcement offered a glimpse into a more personal side of the Italian prime minister.
Her decision to quit smoking has been widely viewed as a significant achievement, especially given her long history with the habit and previous attempts to stop.
As congratulations continue to pour in, the moment has become one of the most talked-about personal stories to emerge from this year’s summit.
FAQs
Has Giorgia Meloni quit smoking?
Yes. According to Beyond Time News, the Italian prime minister revealed during the G7 summit that she had stopped smoking about a month earlier.
How did world leaders react to Meloni’s announcement?
Several leaders, including Sanae Takaichi and Ursula von der Leyen, congratulated her after learning about her decision.
Did Giorgia Meloni explain how she quit smoking?
No. She has not publicly disclosed the methods or support she used to stop smoking.
Had Giorgia Meloni tried to quit before?
Yes. In previous interviews, she revealed that she had once remained smoke-free for 13 years before eventually resuming the habit.
Why is the announcement attracting attention?
Meloni’s smoking habit had long been part of her public image, making her decision to quit a notable personal milestone.
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