Italy Spy Chief Resigns Amid Tensions With Meloni Inner Circle
- Elisabetta Belloni resigned months ahead of her planned exit
- The move has raised questions on circumstances of departure
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The sudden resignation of the head of Italy’s secret service has caused a stir in Italian politics, just as Giorgia Meloni’s government negotiated the release of an Italian journalist held by Iran.
Elisabetta Belloni, the first woman to serve as head of intelligence, was appointed to the role by former Prime Minister Mario Draghi in 2021. A widely respected career diplomat, considered by many to be one of Italy’s most capable political operators, Belloni successfully navigated her career through successive governments of all political extractions. She also served as the Italian sherpa to the Group of Seven last year with Meloni’s blessing.