Overview

• France’s foreign ministry called in Ambassador Emanuela D’Alessandro, citing Matteo Salvini’s remarks as unacceptable and contrary to the climate of trust between the countries.
• At a Lega event in Pinzolo, Salvini said Macron is “a bit touchy” and reiterated his challenge that the French leader should put on a helmet and go fight in Ukraine.
• Salvini’s original comment used the Milanese phrase “taches al tram,” telling Macron to go himself to Ukraine, as he restated his opposition to sending Italian troops.
• The Lega’s Senate leader Massimiliano Romeo said the issue would be resolved if Macron denied any intention to invite European soldiers to fight in Ukraine.
• Italian opposition and centrist figures condemned Salvini’s language and urged Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to distance herself, noting a pattern of prior attacks on Macron and criticism of EU defense plans.