Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has criticized French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of using the ongoing G7 summit in Puglia as a platform for election campaigning ahead of France's national elections later this month. Meloni's remarks came on the first day of the summit at Borgo Egnazia resort in Puglia.
During the summit, Meloni expressed her disapproval of Macron's approach, stating, "There is no reason to cause controversy about issues that we have long agreed on," and criticized the use of the G7 forum for political campaigning during challenging times.
Despite her cordial interactions with other leaders at the summit, tensions were apparent when Meloni welcomed Macron, reflecting their history of occasional discord.
In addition to the political tensions, Italy has reportedly requested the removal of a reference to "safe and legal abortion" from the final statement of the G7 summit, a move that underscores differing viewpoints among member nations on sensitive issues.
The clash between Meloni and Macron comes amid broader concerns over Macron's decision to call snap elections in France, a move seen as an attempt to counter the growing influence of the far right in the country. This decision has significant implications not only for France but also for Europe as a whole, potentially influencing political dynamics across the continent.
The G7 summit, originally focused on economic and global security issues, has thus become a stage for political maneuvering and disagreement among its member nations, highlighting the complexities of international diplomacy and domestic political agendas intersecting on a global stage.
