France recalls Italy envoy

Paris, Feb 7: France took the exceptional step of recalling its envoy to Rome on Thursday to protest against a “provocation” from the Italian government, laying bare the tensions between the two historic allies.

France's foreign ministry recalled its ambassador to Rome for consultations over a series of comments from Italy's two deputy prime ministers, Luigi Di Maio and Matteo Salvini.

The latest spat erupted Tuesday after Di Maio, head of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, revealed that he had met with “yellow vest” anti-government protesters outside Paris.

He said the aim was to prepare a common front for European Parliament elections in May.