Italian Deputy Premier Intensifies Criticism of French President Over Ukraine
Italian Vice Premier Matteo Salvini has intensified his criticism of French President Emmanuel Macron, causing unrest within Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition as it tackles international matters related to the war in Ukraine, reports 24brussels.
Salvini, a far-right leader, condemned Macron’s suggestion to deploy European troops in Ukraine, challenging, “Go yourself if you want. Put on a helmet and a vest, grab a rifle and go. Let the warmongers and bombers shut up.” His remarks, echoed by an ally of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, prompted the French government to summon Italy’s ambassador, Emanuela D’Alessandro, for explanations.
Despite the backlash, Salvini reaffirmed his stance on Saturday. “Macron is a bit touchy. It wasn’t an insult. Is anyone willing to send their son to fight in Russia? Let Macron put on the helmet and go,” he stated. This escalation comes just days before Meloni is set to engage with Macron and other European leaders at the White House regarding the Ukraine situation alongside U.S. President Donald Trump.
The statement reads, “Macron can pack his backpack and go to Ukraine, Salvini said. Italy won’t sacrifice a single soldier for his whims.”
While Meloni and her party, Brothers of Italy, have remained unresponsive, other coalition factions have reacted. Forza Italia, led by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, clarified, “Italian foreign policy is the responsibility of the prime minister and the foreign minister. What happened will not change our friendship with France. We are allies of Paris and will continue to be.” Tajani also reached out to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot prior to a G7 videoconference on Ukraine, affirming Rome’s support for negotiations to resolve the conflict.
“Coordination with Germany and France within the European Union is crucial,” reassured Italy’s top diplomat during his conversations.
Salvini’s comments have drawn criticism from the centrist Noi Moderati party as well, with leader Maurizio Lupo stating, “In his place, I would never have used that expression.”
The strongest condemnation surfaced from the opposition, as Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein lambasted Salvini’s “tirades” against Macron, asserting they “embarrass the country.” She emphasized, “Salvini’s tirades not only put the government in trouble—with Tajani and Meloni insisting on their role in foreign policy—but they embarrass the entire country. Italy has a great diplomatic tradition, and this government keeps showing it is not up to the task.”
