FLASH
Shkruar nga PamfletiGiorgia Meloni must now decide whether to distance herself from the deputy prime minister or cover for him. The Italian leader had previously called Macron "a madman," accusing him of pushing Europe toward confrontation with Russia.
Now the clash is public, visible and loud. The Italian ambassador Emanuela D'Alessandro, writes AFP citing diplomatic sources, has been summoned by the French government because of the "unacceptable statements" that Matteo Salvini made in recent days about Emmanuel Macron. The anger of the Elysee Palace, which was reported yesterday by "Repubblica", came after the words of the deputy prime minister of the Lega Nord against the French president.
A new diplomatic front is now opening between Rome and Paris, with unpredictable consequences.
"Stay behind the tram"
The battlefield on which the duel is taking place is that of the willing, decisive in the Ukrainian issue. The Anglo-French idea of sending troops to the field to maintain peace has been strongly opposed in recent months by Giorgia Meloni, but especially by Salvini. The member of the Lega Nord has waged a strong media campaign against this option. And against Macron. To the point of declaring, a few days ago, regarding the French idea of deploying soldiers in Ukraine:
"In Milan they would say taches al tram (tied to the tram). Go yourself if you want. Put on your helmet, vest, take your rifle and go to Ukraine."
France decides to react
Harsh words, a direct challenge to a major European ally like France. That is why Paris decided to act. The first move was to provoke a reaction from Palazzo Chigi through two channels of the highest level: Macron's diplomatic advisor and the French ambassador to Italy personally addressed Palazzo Chigi and the Farnesina demanding that Rome take a step and distance itself from Salvini. With a clear question addressed to the Italian side: Does Salvini speak on behalf of the government, being deputy prime minister, or does Meloni think differently and intend to condemn these attacks? In the absence of a reaction, Paris decided to raise its voice further and summon the Italian diplomat. According to the same sources cited by AFP, "the ambassador was reminded that these statements contradicted the climate of trust and historical relations between our two countries, as well as recent bilateral developments, which had highlighted strong convergences between the two countries, especially regarding unwavering support for Ukraine."
In fact, Salvini's attacks came precisely while Meloni was in Washington with Macron to manage Donald Trump's attempt to bring about a ceasefire in Ukraine, while at the same time defending Kiev's position. The European partners have been working in a coordinated manner to propose a defensive shield for Ukraine. And part of this project could also be a mission of soldiers deployed on the ground to protect the ceasefire. A project launched on Macron's initiative, but which Meloni - although he prefers a solution similar to NATO's Article 5 - has nevertheless promised to support, if the idea were accepted by Moscow.
Diplomatic plan
The problem now shifts to the diplomatic level. And it puts the Italian prime minister in a dilemma: to take a stand, condemning Salvini, or to remain silent, further complicating the already complicated relationship with the French president? So far, Meloni has chosen not to expose himself. In previous cases of diplomatic tensions between the two capitals, it has been Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in particular who has taken a stand, sometimes demanding more restraint from the deputy prime minister.
In these hours, finally, a fear is arising in Italian diplomacy: that Paris may in some way pursue political revenge against Rome, in one of the many files where interests between the two countries are intertwined.
Precedents
The clash certainly does not arise today. The chronicles take us back to the beginning of last March: then Salvini attacked the Elysee Palace again, saying: "There will never be a European army commanded by that madman Macron who talks about nuclear war." And again: Macron "has a desperate need to give meaning to his still short tenure at the head of France. But let him not do it at our expense," he declared to oppose the offer of a "nuclear umbrella" for Kiev.
The chronology does not stop here. And on numerous other occasions Salvini has addressed the French president in various ways: "hypocrite", "talkative", "educated boy who overdoes champagne", "criminal". In an escalation that began last June when his invitation was: "Put on your helmet, go fight and don't let us down ..."/ La Repubblica
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