The connection with Domenica In that sparked the political controversy

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni joined Rai1's Domenica In program while participating in the "Sunday Lunch" initiative at the Temple of Venus in Rome, supporting the candidacy of Italian cuisine for UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage. Mara Venier asked the prime minister for her personal memories of Sunday lunches, and Meloni replied: "I usually spent Sunday lunch with my grandparents, and for me, but I think for many Italian families, it's tied to pastries. Sunday lunch has deeply connected me to my maternal grandparents."

The Prime Minister's speech sparked a political controversy. Democratic Party secretary Schlein : "Giorgia Meloni continues to refuse to come to Parliament to explain what Italy will do regarding the recognition of the State of Palestine and sanctions against the Israeli government. Yet she continues to find time to produce election commercials on public service broadcasts. Today she explains to us on RaiUno, the flagship channel of her TeleMeloni, which lunches and which pastries she prefers to eat on Sundays."

Barbara Floridia, president of the Rai Oversight Commission, was harsh: "It's truly sad to see Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni interviewed on a widely watched program on Rai, while some regions are going to elections. I recall that her majority blocked the Oversight Commission, preventing any parliamentary oversight, so she can go unpunished for interviews on 'Domenica In' about Sunday lunches. Her presence is inappropriate and out of place."