Giorgia Meloni on France Relations
Giorgia Meloni's relationship with France, particularly with President Emmanuel Macron, has been marked by a dynamic of initial tension followed by pragmatic cooperation on key international files. Following her election, relations were strained, especially over the management of migrant flows in the Mediterranean, where a dispute in 2022 led to retaliatory measures from Paris. However, since then, meetings between Meloni and Macron have often aimed to signal an improvement, with both leaders expressing agreement on issues like military support for Ukraine and the need to manage migration. They have worked together on delivering the SAMP/T anti-missile system to Kyiv, demonstrating shared strategic interests. Another significant dimension of Giorgia Meloni's view on France involves foreign policy critiques, where she has vocally condemned what she describes as French neo-colonialism in Africa, specifically pointing to the role of the CFA franc. She argued this exploitation fuels the migration crisis, a stance that directly contrasts with Macron's approach and has been a specific point of contention between the two leaders.
Context
Giorgia Meloni's role as Prime Minister of Italy inherently places France as one of the most crucial bilateral partners due to their shared geography, economic ties, and position as major EU member states. The relationship is often framed by the need to balance national interests with European cooperation. Her government's right-wing orientation led to initial scrutiny from Paris, with France initially expressing caution about Meloni's coalition. This dynamic often leads to a "frenemies" situation, where geopolitical necessities force cooperation despite underlying political or ideological differences.
Timeline
- An early criticism from Meloni focused on France's supposed neo-colonial role in Africa via the CFA franc currency.
- A major diplomatic row erupted after Meloni's government refused a charity rescue ship, the Ocean Viking, leading France to suspend its migrant relocation commitment to Italy.
- Meloni and Macron met in Brussels to discuss cooperation on migration, industry, space, and European sovereignty, signaling a thaw after the previous migrant spat.
- Following a meeting in Paris, Meloni and Macron expressed agreement on several topics, including support for Ukraine and the need to slow Mediterranean migration.
- The two leaders had a 'long and cordial meeting' in Rome focusing on migration management and Europe's economic priorities ahead of EU summits.
- Tensions resurfaced at the G7 Summit when Macron criticized Italy for reportedly watering down language on abortion rights in the final communique, to which Meloni responded sharply.
Criticism
Criticized Italy for reportedly watering down language on abortion rights in the G7 communique, stating, 'France has a vision of equality between women and men, but it's not a vision shared by all the political spectrum.'
Described Meloni's decision not to accept the Ocean Viking migrant ship as 'unacceptable behavior' and retaliated by suspending its own migrant relocation commitment to Italy.
Sources6
Meloni and Macron express agreement on migration following policy dispute
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.