The Italian deputy premier doubles down on criticism of France’s president over Ukraine.

Constant and harsh criticism of French President Emmanuel Macron by Italian Vice Premier Matteo Salvini has unsettled Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition, as it navigates discussions with its allies on international issues such as the war in Ukraine.

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The far-right Italian leader had criticized Macron’s proposal to deploy European troops in Ukraine. “Go yourself if you want. Put on a helmet and a vest, grab a rifle and go. Let the warmongers and bombers shut up,” he said.

Salvini’s remarks, coming from an ally and friend of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, drew complaints from Paris. The French government summoned Italy’s ambassador, Emanuela D’Alessandro, to demand explanations.

But on Saturday afternoon, Salvini doubled down before reporters. “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 insisted.

The attacks have irritated Meloni’s right-wing coalition just a week before she is scheduled to meet with Macron and other European leaders at the White House for talks on Ukraine with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The text reads, “Macron can pack his backpack and go to Ukraine, Salvini said. Italy won’t sacrifice a single soldier for his whims.”

Meloni and her party, Brothers of Italy, have remained silent, but the response came from Forza Italia, the coalition’s third partner, led by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

“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,” said Forza Italia Deputy Secretary Deborah Bergamini.

Tajani also phoned his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, on Saturday ahead of a G7 videoconference on Ukraine. He reaffirmed Rome’s support “for a process leading to political and diplomatic negotiations” to end the war.

“Coordination with Germany and France within the European Union is crucial,” Italy’s top diplomat reassured both Barrot and German counterpart Johann Wadephul.

Salvini’s attacks also displeased the centrist Noi Moderati party, another coalition ally. “In his place I would never have used that expression,” its leader, Maurizio Lupo, told Il Corriere della Sera on Sunday.

But the harshest reaction came from the main opposition force. Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein condemned Salvini’s “tirades” against Macron, saying they “embarrass the country.”

“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,” she said.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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