Macron Under Fire: France Summons Italian Ambassador After Salvini’s Fiery Remarks

On 23 August 2025, tensions erupted within Europe when France summoned the Italian ambassador Emanuela D’Alessandro to Paris. The diplomatic move followed a fiery press conference by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Matteo Salvini, who launched a scathing verbal attack on French President Emmanuel Macron. The incident has sparked concerns about divisions within the European Union at a time when unity is considered crucial for the ongoing Ukraine crisis.

The controversy began after Macron publicly suggested the possibility of a long-term European military presence in Ukraine, arguing that Europe should not rely indefinitely on the United States for security. Macron emphasized that France and its European partners must play a direct role in stabilizing Ukraine and safeguarding European security in the long run.

Salvini, however, dismissed Macron’s idea with open ridicule during his press briefing. In an unusually blunt statement, he said:

> “If you want to go, go yourself. Put on a helmet, take a jacket, grab a rifle, and head to Ukraine.”

Salvini even added a local Milanese phrase that translates roughly to “Go away, leave us alone”, a remark that many in France perceived as highly disrespectful. His sharp words not only shocked French officials but also unsettled European policymakers who fear such disputes could undermine collective action.

France reacted swiftly. The French Foreign Ministry described Salvini’s remarks as “offensive, irresponsible, and damaging to mutual trust” between two major EU partners. By summoning Italy’s ambassador, Paris sent a strong signal that such rhetoric will not be tolerated, especially when both nations are expected to coordinate their policies in support of Ukraine.

This is not the first time Macron and Salvini have clashed. Salvini, leader of Italy’s right-wing Lega Party, has long criticized Macron’s leadership style and policies, ranging from migration to European defense strategy. While Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sought to maintain stable relations with France, Salvini’s aggressive tone often disrupts that balance, creating friction at the highest levels of diplomacy.

Analysts warn that the dispute could benefit Russia by exposing cracks within the European alliance. At a time when Ukraine desperately depends on consistent Western support, internal quarrels risk weakening Europe’s negotiating position and reducing its ability to act decisively. Salvini’s comments may resonate with segments of the Italian public skeptical about military involvement in Ukraine, but they could simultaneously harm Italy’s reputation on the international stage.

For Macron, this diplomatic storm presents yet another test of leadership. Determined to strengthen Europe’s defense posture, he must now navigate the political fallout from Salvini’s blunt attack while preserving European unity. The question remains whether this incident will fade as a short-term spat or leave a lasting scar on Franco-Italian relations.

One thing is certain: Europe cannot afford prolonged internal discord if it hopes to confront the challenges posed by Russia and ensure a stable future for Ukraine.