Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Di Maio attacks on French policies in Africa

EPA/Riccardo Antimiani

Source: EPA/Riccardo Antimiani

On the 21st of January the Italian ambassador Teresa Castaldo was summoned by the French Foreign Ministry, to have clarifications on the statements of the Italian Deputy Premier Luigi Di Maio about the role of France in the increase of migratory flows in Europe.


The leader of the Five Star Movement highlighted that France is still leading colonial-style policies in Africa and told reporters: "France is one of those countries that by printing money for 14 African states prevents their economic development and contributes to the fact that the refugees leave and then die in the sea or arrive on our coasts”. The statement created almost a diplomatic crisis between the two countries, but Premier Antonio Conte has reassured that: "Friendship and the relationship with France remains strong". We have talked about the issue with the correspondent from Paris Giampero Martinotti.


Share

Follow SBS Italian

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS Italian News

Watch it onDemand

Watch now