PARIS, Feb 10 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A diplomatic row between France and Italy has deepened, with France complaining of “unfounded attacks and outlandish claims” by Italian leaders.
France recalled its ambassador to Italy for talks on Thursday, saying the situation was “unprecedented” since the end of World War Two.
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.
Relations between the two countries – both founding members of the EU – 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 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.
The ‘gilets jaunes’ protesters first took to the streets in November, angered by fuel tax increases. The movement derives its name from the high-visibility yellow vests protesters wear – and which French motorists are required by law to carry in their vehicles.
“For several months France has been the subject of repeated accusations, unfounded attacks and outlandish claims,” the French foreign ministry said.
“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.
Di Maio defended his decision to meet the protesters and described the French people as “friends and allies”.
“President Macron has on several occasions attacked the Italian government for political reasons in view of the European elections. This has not affected the feeling of friendship that ties our two countries and never will,” he said.
Italian PM Giuseppe Conte, speaking on a visit to Beirut, said he hoped the situation could be “cleared up immediately”.
“Italy and France’s relationship is rooted in history and cannot be called into question by events,” he said.
Much of the tension between France and Italy has been about migration.
When France criticised Italy for not allowing rescue boats carrying migrants in the Mediterranean to dock, Italy responded by accusing France itself of refusing to accept migrants.
Italy says France has sent migrants back across Italy’s northern border. — NNN-AGENCIES
