According to Italian Minister of Economic Affairs Di Maio, France contributes to the impoverishment of Africa. Paris is outraged, speaks of „unacceptable“ statements. And Di Maio simply repeats it.
The tone between Paris and Rome becomes rougher. At the weekend, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio had sharply criticized France and accused the EU partner of an alleged deepening of the refugee crisis. Now Paris has responded by ordering the Italian Ambassador.
The French Minister for Europe Nathalie Loiseau had Teresa Castaldo because of „unacceptable and baseless comments“ the Italian government to come to, the news agency AFP quoted a statement from Loiseau’s office. A French diplomat told Reuters news agency, „This is not the first time that the Italian authorities have made unacceptable and aggressive comments.“
Di Maio: France contributes to the flight from Africa
Di Maio had accused France on Sunday to contribute to the impoverishment of Africa and thus to escape from the continent. Shortly after the diplomatic reaction from Paris, the Minister reaffirmed his statement: „France is one of those countries that prints money for 14 African countries, preventing their economic development and contributing to the fact that refugees leave and die in the sea or at ours Arrive coasts, „said Di Maio.
He referred to the CFA franc currency, which is used in 14 West and Central African countries and is linked to the euro at a fixed conversion rate. France is responsible for the settlement with the states and guarantees the fixed exchange rate.
Streit also because of the „yellow vests“
A dispute between Italy and the government of France’s head of state Emmanuel Macron has existed for some time. The two Italian deputy leaders, Minister of Economic Affairs Di Maio of the populist Five-Star Movement and Interior Minister Salvini of the xenophobic Lega Party, called on the „Yellow West“ movement in France in early January to remain „firm“. President Macron ruled „against his people,“ they said. The French government then demanded „respect“ from the EU partner country.
The „yellow vests“ protest launched in November against rising living costs, social injustice and finally Macron’s general policy are making life difficult for the president. On the protest weekends, there were always violent riots.
