France accuses Italy of ‘unacceptable provocation’ after deputy PM meets yellow vest leaders
Luigi Di Maio says 'winds of change' have crossed the Alps
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.France’s foreign ministry has said that Italy’s deputy prime minister meeting with leaders of the yellow vest movement is an “unacceptable provocation”.
Luigi Di Maio, who also leads the populist, anti-establishment 5-Star party, said he met yellow vests leader Christophe Chalencon and candidates on the grassroots movement's list for European Parliament elections in May.
The move was described by France's foreign ministry as undermining relations between the two European neighbours.
"This new provocation is not acceptable between neighbouring countries and partners in the European Union," a foreign ministry spokesman said.
"Mr Di Maio, who holds government responsibilities, must take care not to undermine, through his repeated interferences, our bilateral relations, in the interest of both France and Italy."
After the meeting Mr Di Maio tweeted that "winds of change" had crossed the Alps and mentioned his intention to have another meeting in Rome.
"We have a lot of common positions and values, such as the defense of citizens, social rights, direct democracy and environment," a statement issued by 5-star said.
"There is enthusiasm, we will meet soon in Rome."
The movement, who are referred to as the “gilets jaunes” in France, have been holding at times violent anti-government protests each week across the country for the past few months.
Mr Di Maio had previously publicly stated his admiration for the movement and has urged them not to “give up”.
Additional reporting from agencies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments