Macron Warns Meloni Over Comments on Student’s Death

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday, urging her to refrain from commenting on the recent death of conservative university student Quentin Delanque.

The 23-year-old Catholic activist was reportedly killed during an anti-immigration protest in Lyon last week, with suspicions pointing to Antifa involvement.

As noted, Delanque’s death has drawn widespread criticism of far-left violence. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez remarked, “Clearly the far left was behind it,” in a statement made on Sunday.

In a Wednesday social media post, Meloni expressed her shock over Delanque’s murder, labeling it “very shocking and sad” and claiming it represented “a wound for all of Europe.”

She stated, “The death of a young man in his early 20s, attacked by a group linked to left-wing extremism and overwhelmed by a climate of ideological hatred across several countries, is a wound for all of Europe.” Her post concluded with a strong message against violence, asserting that “no political idea or ideological conflict can justify violence or turn conflict into physical attacks. Democracy always loses when hatred and violence replace dialogue.”

Macron’s reaction to Meloni’s remarks seemed to be one of irritation. Following an official visit to India, the French President advised her to stop “commenting on what is happening in other countries,” addressing questions from journalists.

“Everyone please stay at home, and the sheep will be well looked after,” Macron added. He also remarked that he finds it surprising how nationalists, who often don’t want outside interference, are the first to comment on others’ issues.

Italian officials at Chigi Palace reacted to Macron’s comments with surprise, suggesting that Meloni’s expression of sorrow over Delanque’s tragic death did not interfere with France’s internal matters.

One official noted, “These statements are a sign of solidarity with the French people affected by this terrible event.” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani added that Italy has experienced its share of violent incidents, and condemning such acts is crucial for ensuring that the country does not regress into a troubled past. He emphasized that politics must always revolve around dialogue and debate, even among those who hold differing views.

In response to Macron’s comments, Marion Marescia, the leader of the Identity and Freedom Party in the European Parliament, suggested that the French President lacks the political understanding necessary to grasp why Meloni and Italy might find the issue of political violence particularly resonant.