Overview
- Matteo Salvini said his cordial greeting of Russian ambassador Alexei Paramonov in Rome was simple civility at a Chinese Embassy reception attended by diplomats and politicians.
- Earlier the same day, Paramonov had criticized Italy’s response to a reported drone incursion into Polish airspace, fueling anger over the vice premier’s embrace.
- Opposition leaders from the PD, +Europa and Italia Viva labeled the gesture a deep embarrassment for Italy and urged Giorgia Meloni to state the government’s position.
- Salvini reiterated a security stance focused on domestic protection of transport hubs and schools, diverging from Defense Minister Guido Crosetto’s emphasis on external threats.
- Figures in Fratelli d’Italia voiced unease, saying the embrace may have been excessive, while Senate President Ignazio La Russa defended courtesy and stressed that foreign policy is set by Palazzo Chigi and the Farnesina.