Macron and Renzi branded ‘ridiculous’ for trying to fight Europe’s populist uprising
EMMANUEL Macron and Matteo Renzi have been branded “ridiculous” after vowing to tackle the rise of Euroscepticism.
By TOM PARFITT
Express.co.uk
Wed, Nov 22, 2017
During a meeting in Paris, the French president and former Italian prime minister agreed to present a “common front” against anti-EU politicians.
They spoke about how to counter the rhetoric of Matteo Salvini, leader of Italy’s Lega Nord, and far-right French MP Marine Le Pen.
A source last night said: “The relationship between Macron and Renzi showed itself to be strong and consolidated.
They agreed on the need to combat populism, Le Penism and its allies, including Salvini in Italy.”
But Mr Salvini hit back, saying Mr Macron and Mr Renzi should be focusing on more important issues facing them.
He said: “Instead of worrying about Salvini and Le Pen, it would be more useful for Renzi and Macron to worry about Islamic terrorism, high unemployment levels, and Europe.
“Socialists and democrats? No, just ridiculous.”
Mr Renzi, who quit as Italian PM last year, hailed the rookie French leader following their hour-long talk at the Elysee Palace.
He said: “Macron is the point of reference for rebirth of the European Union.”
The pair are also understood to have expressed “concern over the uncertainty of the situation in Germany”.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has yet to form a coalition after failing to win an outright majority in September’s election.
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