The relationship between Paris and Rome has never been so bad since 1940…
For the first time in 70 years, marked by a peaceful relationship (following the end of Italian fascism), the French ambassador has been called back to France in order to “deliver his report on the situation”.
Both countries, accuse each other of inappropriate verbal attacks engaged by the official administrations and other “dreadful accusations made without any proof to support them” (Italy). Most of these exchange result from the presidents and their surroundings, commenting about the political situation and the crisis of their neighbor.
It all started when Emanuel Macron, the French President, shared his point of view on the Budget voted by the Italian parliament and his regrets towards the rise of populism in the country.
On the Italian side, the two noisy actors of this diplomatic clash are Matteo Salvini, chief of the right-wing party, and Luigi Di Maio, leader of the anti-system party and Vice Prime Minister.
The recent event, that was just too much to take in for the French government, was an unofficial visit from Di Maio in France. During which he met and talked with the rioters from the “Yellow Jackets Contestations” (more information on the link), a still strongly ongoing weekly march, taking place in the main French cities.
During this strange questionable meeting, Di Mario reportedly declared; that the French government and it’s prime minister, Edouard Philippe, have to resign.
“All these acts create a serious situation that raises questions about the Italian government’s intentions regarding its relationship with France,” says Quai d’Orsay spokeswoman Agnès von der Mühll
The call back of the ambassador is an unprecedented political move, usually announcing a soon to come international divorce.
The Italian people were quite shocked by this french reaction. Reporters corresponding from Italy, noticed it created a general “calm down” among the population, as nobody wants to see an end to this powerful relationship.
So, for now, “the French Bashing” has stopped and the Italians fingers are pointing towards their local political leaders.
But if we take a step back, it is easy to understand what is really going on. The backstage of this brawl is once more linked to a political agenda…
The main reason hidden between these tensions is the European election coming soon.
It seems, that in Europe, being anti-Macron has become the easiest way to criticize the European Union. Consequently, it is a practical tool used by opposition parties to gain more voices for the upcoming call to the ballots.
Nowadays, The European Union, the second most powerful economy in the World, is having a hard time resisting against the rise of nationalism across the continent, and their desire to leave the alliance.
