Giorgia Meloni Biography Flash: Italy's PM Clashes with Macron as Polls Soar Ahead of Referendum Test
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Giorgia Meloni Biography Flash: Italy's PM Clashes with Macron as Polls Soar Ahead of Referendum Test
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Over the past few days, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has dominated headlines with a diplomatic clash that highlights simmering tensions between Rome and Paris. The controversy erupted after the fatal beating of French far-right activist Quentin Deranque in Lyon on February 12th. According to Euronews and RTE Ireland, Meloni posted on social media calling Deranque's death "a wound for all of Europe" and condemning what she described as a climate of ideological hatred. French President Emmanuel Macron responded sharply while visiting India, telling reporters that nationalists like Meloni are "always the first ones to comment on what's happening in other countries," adding the memorable phrase "let everyone stay at home and the sheep will be well looked after." When asked if he meant Meloni, Macron replied, "You got that right."
Meloni's office fired back, expressing astonishment at Macron's comments and insisting she had merely expressed condolences without interfering in French affairs. According to Sky TG24, Meloni later told Italian television that she was sorry Macron misinterpreted her remarks, clarifying that expressing solidarity on a matter concerning all of Europe was not interference. Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also weighed in, telling the social media platform X that the killing "is a serious matter that concerns us all," drawing parallels to Italy's "Years of Lead" from the 1960s through 1980s.
Beyond this diplomatic spat, Le Monde reports that Meloni continues enjoying remarkably strong domestic polling numbers. According to the Italian polling institute YouTrend, her party Fratelli d'Italia maintains 29.7 percent of voting intentions, exceeding both the 2022 legislative elections result of 26 percent and the 2024 European elections figure of 28.8 percent. Her personal trust rating stands at 45 percent according to the 2026 Eurobarometer, significantly outpacing German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at 33 percent and French President Macron at just 15 percent.
On the international front, Agenzia Nova reports that Meloni spoke via video link at a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, reaffirming Italy's commitment to Ukraine. Her government emphasized supporting Ukrainian territorial integrity and sovereignty while participating in peace negotiations promoted by the United States.
With a referendum on judicial reform looming for March 22 and 23, Meloni faces her most significant political test since taking office, though her commanding poll numbers suggest she remains Italy's dominant political figure.
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