Italian Deputy PM met Yellow Vest protesters, France extremely insulted
Staff Writer |
France recalled its ambassador to Italy for talks on Thursday, saying the situation was "unprecedented" since the end of World War Two.
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It comes after Italian Deputy PM Luigi Di Maio met French "yellow-vest" protesters near Paris on Tuesday. France warned him not to interfere in the country's politics, BBC reported.
Relations between the two countries have been tense since Italy's populist Five Star Movement and right-wing League party formed a coalition government in June 2018.
The two governments have clashed over a range of issues, including immigration.
The latest spat began after Mr Di Maio, the leader of Five Star Movement, met leaders of the anti-government "gilets jaunes" protests on Tuesday.
He posted a picture of himself on Twitter with yellow-vest leader Christophe Chalençon and members of a yellow-vest list who are standing in elections to the European Parliament in May.
"For several months France has been the subject of repeated accusations, unfounded attacks and outlandish claims," the foreign ministry said on Thursday.
"The most recent interferences constitute an additional and unacceptable provocation. They violate the respect that is owed to democratic choices made by a nation which is a friend and an ally. To disagree is one thing, to exploit a relationship for electoral aims is another."
Italy's fellow Deputy PM Matteo Salvini later said he would be happy to hold talks with President Emmanuel Macron.
But to "reset" relations he said France had to address "fundamental" issues. He called on Paris to hand over left-wing militants wanted by Italy and to stop returning migrants. He also complained of lengthy French border checks causing traffic jams at the frontier. ■
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