Macron and Meloni clash over far-right activist's killing in France

Macron and Meloni clash over activist's killing

French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have publicly clashed over the killing of a far-right activist in France. The dispute erupted after Meloni called the death "a wound for all of Europe."

Macron responded sharply while on a trip to India, telling reporters that everyone should "stay in their own lane." He specifically criticized nationalists who are quick to comment on other countries' affairs.

When asked if his remarks were directed at Meloni, Macron replied, "You got that right." The Italian leader later said she was sorry Macron saw her comments as interference.

Details of the Lyon attack emerge

The conflict stems from the killing of 23-year-old far-right activist Quentin Deranque in Lyon on February 12. He died after being beaten during a protest.

Lyon prosecutor Thierry Dran announced that seven people will face murder charges. Among those charged is Jacques-Elie Favrot, an assistant to a lawmaker from the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party.

Favrot faces charges of complicity through instigation and has been placed in pre-trial detention. He and the other suspects deny the accusations.

Political tensions escalate in France

The killing has intensified political divisions in France ahead of key elections. It has fueled tensions between the far-right and far-left with municipal elections in March and a presidential race in 2027.

Current opinion polls show the far right leading for the 2027 presidency. Macron, a centrist, will be unable to run again due to term limits.

The incident highlights the volatile climate in French politics. Key upcoming political milestones include:

• Municipal elections in March 2026
• The next presidential election in 2027
• Macron's mandatory departure after two terms

A history of disputes between the leaders

Macron and Meloni have a history of political sparring. The pro-Europe centrist and the conservative Italian leader, a close ally of Donald Trump, have disagreed on multiple issues.

Their past conflicts have centered on European policy, trade, and the war in Ukraine. This latest exchange adds a new layer of personal tension to their diplomatic relationship.

In her response, Meloni invoked Italy's turbulent political past, alluding to the "Years of Lead" from 1969 to 1980. This period was marked by violence from radical groups like the Red Brigades.

Meloni invokes Italy's violent past

Meloni suggested European leaders should reflect on how to combat a climate that could return the continent to decades-old violence. She pointedly noted that France granted asylum to former Red Brigades members.

"The ruling classes must [reflect] on how to combat a climate that could take us back a few decades," Meloni stated in a television interview. This history has long been a diplomatic sticking point between Italy and France.

The exchange underscores how a domestic French tragedy has quickly escalated into a transnational political dispute. It reflects broader ideological battles shaping European politics.