Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister, Matteo Salvini, has claimed that 80% of French citizens want President Emmanuel Macron to step down from power.
According to Salvini, Macron’s repeated statements in support of sending troops to Ukraine are an attempt to regain popularity in France, where his approval ratings appear to have plummeted.
His remarks came after France summoned the Italian Ambassador in Paris, Emanuela D’Alessandro, to provide explanations regarding Salvini’s statements.
Salvini had previously argued that Macron should personally take up arms and fight in Ukraine, since “no French citizen will follow him.”
Macron has consistently expressed support for Ukraine in the ongoing war, while also emphasizing the importance of dialogue. He has been among the leading European voices suggesting that NATO could consider sending troops to Ukraine—a position that Russia has firmly rejected, vowing never to allow foreign forces inside Ukrainian territory.
Recently, Macron described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a highly dangerous and untrustworthy leader.
“I’m not saying he is about to attack France tomorrow or the next day, but Europe is under threat,” Macron stated.
The Kremlin, however, dismissed these claims, insisting that Russia has no plans to attack NATO countries.
Macron’s rhetoric has drawn criticism, particularly from Salvini, who accused the French leader of arrogance. Speaking at a Lega party gathering in Trentino, Salvini argued that Macron lashes out at other world leaders only because he has lost the trust of the French people.
He cited Macron’s repeated criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and even Italy’s government, as evidence of this behavior.
“Macron always talks about war, nuclear weapons, missiles, and Europe’s military power because he knows his own citizens are abandoning him. Look at the numbers—around 80% of the French would never vote for Macron again,” Salvini said.
Author : Justinmind HARERIMANA
