Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Italian PM Matteo Renzi: I did not kick a fish that leapt into a boat full of world leaders at the G20

The leader says he was only trying to 'avoid' the creature

Joe Watts
Political Editor
Thursday 15 September 2016 11:55 EDT
Comments
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has spoken out on the incident at the G20 in China which involved a fish leaping on to a boat full of world leaders.

Mr Renzi made headlines when witnesses reported seeing him attempt to ‘kick’ the fish after it unexpectedly landed on the boat’s deck, but the Italian premier has now denied the claim.

World leaders, including British Prime Minister Theresa May, had been on a boat tour as part of cultural activities they were enjoying at the summit in Hangzhou.

But despite the reports covered in several outlets, Mr Renzi’s office has denied both that he kicked the fish or stumbled afterwards, as was also reported by witnesses.

A spokesman from his office said in a statement: “Prime Minister Renzi only avoided the fish, that’s all.”

The story was covered widely in the UK press and also in the Italian media.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in