Tensions escalate between Italy and France over Salvini's comments on Macron: the League responds.

Lega leader Matteo Salvini's comments about Emmanuel Macron sparked an immediate diplomatic reaction. France summoned the Italian ambassador to Paris for clarification, sparking a heated exchange between Rome and Paris. The Lega, for its part, responded to the criticism by rejecting all accusations and defending its leader's words, in what appears to be a new episode of tension between the two countries.

Tensions between Italy and France over Salvini's statements on Macron

Diplomatic tensions have erupted between Italy and France in recent days following Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini 's comments regarding French President Emmanuel Macron. Salvini harshly criticized the possibility of deploying European troops to Ukraine, symbolically inviting Macron to personally assume the role of soldier.

“European soldiers in Ukraine? Get on the tram. Go there yourself if you want. Put on your helmet, your vest, your rifle, and go to Ukraine. Put on your helmet and go fight yourself .”

His words sparked immediate domestic political reactions and called into question Italy's position on European military cooperation in the Ukrainian conflict.

France summons the Italian ambassador to clarify Salvini's remarks.

In response to the Deputy Prime Minister's comments, France summoned Italian Ambassador Emanuela D'Alessandro on Thursday for clarification. According to AFP , diplomatic sources reminded the ambassador that such statements are incompatible with the climate of trust and the long-standing relations between the two countries , as well as with recent bilateral developments that have highlighted strong convergence on strategic issues, including support for Ukraine. The French initiative, also confirmed by France Inter radio, has been described as a measure aimed at reaffirming the importance of mutual respect in institutional relations.

The League's responses and internal political reactions have highlighted divergent positions, with Salvini's party defending its leader's statements:

" If Macron denies his intention to send European soldiers to fight in Ukraine, the problem is closed. And continuing to bring up the European nuclear umbrella, European armies, European missiles and bazookas isn't helpful at this time: let's allow the glimmers of peace to continue, let's let Trump and those who truly want peace work," commented the League group leader in the Senate, Massimiliano Romeo.

Meanwhile, Forza Italia and some moderates, including Maurizio Lupi, have emphasized the importance of maintaining stable relations with France, emphasizing the historical and cultural bond between the two countries and the need to strengthen European unity.

"Italian foreign policy is the responsibility of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister. This incident will not alter our friendly relations with France, despite our differing sensitivities. We are allies with Paris, and we will remain so even more so at such a critical moment in the international arena," emphasized Deborah Bergamini, deputy national secretary of FI.

"Salvini used the wrong tone, which in politics also means substance, in criticizing French President Macron's words, but he essentially reiterated Italy's position against sending troops to Ukraine. Italy and France have a very strong historical and cultural bond and common interests, so this summer controversy will soon be resolved and will have no repercussions. The government and the majority are working to strengthen European unity, which is essential for achieving a just peace in Ukraine and strengthening the Euro-Atlantic pact," added the president of Noi moderateti, Maurizio Lupi.

The opposition, however, criticized Salvini's statement, calling it unsuitable for his institutional role and potentially damaging to Italy's international image. Parliamentarians and leaders such as Piero Fassino, Riccardo Magi, Davide Faraone, and Carlo Calenda characterized the episode as a diplomatic embarrassment and called on the government to conduct foreign policy more responsibly, reiterating that personal controversies must not jeopardize the strategic partnership with Paris.

" Salvini is the deputy prime minister and he always forgets it and consequently uses vulgar language unsuitable for his role . Meloni should teach, or at least remind, Salvini how to behave and therefore should censor the words of her deputy prime minister that caused a diplomatic incident between Italy and France. That Italian soldiers should not go to Ukraine is beyond question, but with his bar-room language Salvini demonstrates that he is not fit for the role he holds," declared Angelo Bonelli, MP for AVS.