Italy calls for clearer apology from France over migration ‘insult’

Antonio Tajani, Italy’s foreign minister, said Sunday that Paris’ apologies for accusing Rome of mishandling migrants were unsatisfactory.

“Clearer words are needed,” conservative Forza Italia member Tajani told Italian state broadcaster RAI.

I hope the French government adjusts its position and apologizes differently from the Interior Minister. Accept them.”

Last week, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin called Italy’s right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni “unable to solve the migration problems on which she was elected”. Darmanin said Meloni was “lying” to voters about ending the migrant crisis.

On Thursday, Tajani abruptly canceled a trip to Paris to protest what he called a “insult” to Italy.

On Friday, French government spokesman Olivier Veran told CNews that the Darmanin had no desire to ostracize Italy.