Italy’s Di Maio Meets French ‘Yellow Vests’, Hails ‘Winds of Change’

PARIS (Reuters) – Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio has confirmed a meeting with leaders of France’s "yellow vest" anti-government movement, a move that is expected to intensify the already tenuous relationship between the two countries.

Di Maio, who heads the populist, anti-establishment 5-Star party, stated that he visited France where he met with "yellow vests" leader Christophe Chalencon and candidates affiliated with the grassroots movement in preparation for the upcoming European Parliament elections in May.

"The winds of change have crossed the Alps," Di Maio declared on social media, reaffirming his previous support for the movement.

Since they began in November, the often-violent "yellow vests" protests have posed significant challenges for President Emmanuel Macron, as public backing for his reform initiatives has diminished.

In recent weeks, both Di Maio and Italy’s other deputy premier, Matteo Salvini from the right-wing League, have launched a series of critiques against Macron, backing his political adversaries and blaming France for creating poverty in Africa and failing to contribute to peace efforts in Libya.

In January, France’s foreign ministry summoned Italy’s ambassador over rising tensions, and since then, Macron has stated that his only political engagement with Italy is through Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.