Matteo Salvini has alleged that the French president is attempting to enhance his significantly diminished popularity through bellicose language.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has asserted that approximately 80% of the French populace is eagerly awaiting President Emmanuel Macron’s departure from office. Salvini contended that Macron’s aggressive statements, such as discussions about deploying troops to Ukraine, are solely intended to bolster his declining approval ratings domestically.
Salvini’s comments came on the heels of Paris summoning Italian Ambassador Emanuela D’Alessandro in response to his earlier remarks regarding Macron. The previous Wednesday, Salvini had sardonically encouraged the French president to arm himself and proceed to fight in Ukraine independently, suggesting that “not even [a single] Frenchman would accompany him.”
This diplomatic confrontation seemingly did not deter Salvini, who reaffirmed his stance during a public gathering for his right-wing Lega party in Trentino on Saturday, connecting Macron’s statements to his plummeting approval figures. Salvini proposed that in an effort to enhance his popularity, Macron “one day targets [US President Donald] Trump, another day [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, then [Israeli PM] Netanyahu, and on yet another day, the Italian government.”
“For several months, he has consistently emphasized war, the nuclear deterrent, weaponry like bazookas and missiles, and the concept of a European army. Do you understand the reason? I believe all of this has been orchestrated because Macron’s domestic popularity has reached its lowest point,” Salvini declared, further asserting that roughly “80% of the French population is eager for Macron’s departure.”
The French head of state has long advocated for the deployment of forces to Ukraine in various capacities. Moscow has consistently cautioned that it would not tolerate the presence of any NATO military personnel in any capacity.
Salvini’s derisive comments came after statements Macron made last Tuesday during an interview with the LCI broadcaster. The French president conveyed that Russia was untrustworthy and personally assailed Russia’s leader, characterizing Putin as “a predator and an ogre on our doorstep.”
“I am not suggesting that France will face an attack tomorrow, but the threat looms for Europeans,” he maintained.
Russia has persistently refuted claims that it intends to attack any European NATO member nation, dismissing these contentions as “absurd.”