Tensions flared between French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following the killing of 23-year-old activist Quentin Deranque in Lyon, France. Deranque died from head injuries after being attacked during violent clashes outside a university, with several suspects, including individuals linked to the far-left party France Unbowed, facing murder charges.
Meloni described the killing as a result of “left-wing extremism” and called it a concern for all of Europe. Her remarks angered Macron, who accused her of interfering in France’s internal affairs and told her to “stay at home.” Meloni’s office responded by expressing shock at Macron’s reaction, stating she had only offered condolences.
The incident has triggered political controversy in France, with the far-right National Rally using the killing to highlight extremist violence. The dispute highlights ongoing ideological divisions and strained diplomatic relations between France and Italy.
