Italian deputy PM Luigi Di Maio plans to meet with leaders from the yellow vest movement in France (Image: GETTY IMAGES/REUTERS)
Luigi Di Maio said he hoped the talks would pave the way to involving the anti-establishment protestors in his vision for a populist wave in the upcoming European Parliament elections. The deputy prime minister, who serves alongside Matteo Salvini, has praised the gilets jaunes, as they are known in France, for taking to the streets and demanding change. Their praise has been met with fury from the French government, with Nathalie Loiseau, France’s minister for European affairs, suggesting the pair focus on solving Italy’s problems first.
But despite the scolding, Mr Di Maio today said he would meet with yellow vest leader Eric Drouet, Rome-based newspaper Il Messaggero reports.
He insisted he was not dealing with any of the groups involved in violent protests which have prompted weeks of unrest on the streets of French cities.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Rai Radio 1, he said: “I am creating an alternative European parliamentary group to the right and the left and I am involving all those movements that believe in direct democracy.
“I’m not talking to the violent groups though.
