A diplomatic dispute has erupted between Italy and France following unacceptable remarks by Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini aimed at French President Emmanuel Macron. According to AFP, the French government summoned Italy’s ambassador in Paris, Emanuela D’Alessandro, in response to the statements.
The controversy escalated after Salvini mocked Macron’s proposal to send troops to Ukraine, saying: “Go yourself. Put on the helmet, vest, and rifle, and go to Ukraine”. Salvini has openly opposed the plan for months and frequently criticized Macron personally.
Paris initially sought clarification through Macron’s diplomatic adviser and the French ambassador to Italy, asking whether Salvini’s comments reflected the official position of the Italian government. Receiving no clear response, France formally summoned the ambassador. AFP sources noted that Salvini’s remarks undermine trust, historical relations, and bilateral cooperation between the two countries, particularly regarding efforts related to Ukraine.
The timing of the comments was politically sensitive, as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was in Washington alongside Macron supporting diplomatic initiatives for Ukraine. This places Meloni in a delicate position: either distance herself from her coalition partner, risking internal tensions, or remain silent, risking further deterioration of relations with France.
So far, Meloni has chosen not to publicly comment, while Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has urged Salvini to adopt a more restrained tone.
This is not the first time Salvini has targeted Macron. Since last year, he has labeled the French president as “mad for talking about nuclear war”, “hypocritical”, “criminal”, and even “a man obsessed with champagne”. The latest statements have triggered a fresh diplomatic crisis between Rome and Paris.
