The exchange occurred during an informal hot-mic conversation when German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asked Meloni about her morning cigarette. In response, Meloni disclosed that she had stopped smoking on May 1.
Her announcement was met with enthusiastic reactions from fellow leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen applauded the achievement, while European Council President António Costa offered words of encouragement. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney added a light-hearted remark about nicotine patches, prompting laughter among those present.
Italy Prime Minister Meloni spoke with other leaders about how she quit smoking.
— Jeffrey J. Hall 🇯🇵🇺🇸 (@mrjeffu) June 17, 2026
Near the end of the clip, she turns to Japanese PM Takaichi and says, "so you've been smoking one of your last cigarettes with me!" pic.twitter.com/uSwVL1w9U6
Meloni, who has long been known as a smoker, acknowledged that she had previously remained smoke-free for 13 years before relapsing. Reflecting on her recent efforts to quit, she revealed that she had replaced cigarettes with three cups of coffee that morning.
The candid interaction stood out against the backdrop of high-level diplomatic discussions, providing a glimpse into the personal side of world leaders gathered at the summit. Meloni’s disclosure transformed a private health milestone into a memorable moment of camaraderie and goodwill among G7 participants.
The episode underscored how personal experiences can briefly transcend political agendas, highlighting a relatable and human dimension during a summit otherwise focused on some of the most pressing international challenges facing the world.
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