Frequent Clashes Between Macron and Meloni in the Past
Various Interpretations of Meloni's Expressions Emerge
At the G7 summit in Canada, which concluded without any notable achievements, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron were seen having a private conversation.
According to videos posted on social media on the 16th, President Macron was caught whispering to Prime Minister Meloni, who was seated next to him, during the opening ceremony of the G7 summit held in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. At the time, leaders from each country were taking their seats around a round table. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, as the host, sat at the center, with U.S. President Donald Trump to his left and President Macron to his right. Prime Minister Meloni was seated next to President Macron.
Before the meeting began, with the microphones of the leaders turned off, President Macron initiated a conversation with Prime Minister Meloni. In response, Prime Minister Meloni leaned in significantly toward President Macron. President Macron, covering his mouth, whispered something into Prime Minister Meloni's ear, and she listened while gazing in the opposite direction. Afterwards, she was seen giving a thumbs up to President Macron or glancing at him with rolling eyes. The two continued their conversation for more than 30 seconds.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (left) and French President Emmanuel Macron are having a conversation at the G7 summit held on the 16th in Canmore, Alberta, Canada. Photo by X
It is not known what was discussed between the two leaders. The conversation has drawn particular attention because, since Prime Minister Meloni took office in October 2022, the two leaders have frequently clashed. At the G7 summit held in Italy in June last year, they argued over whether to include a clause guaranteeing abortion rights in the joint statement. At the time, President Macron criticized Italy by referencing France's constitutional guarantee of abortion rights, saying, "Italy does not share France's sensibility." In response, Prime Minister Meloni retorted, "Don't campaign at the G7."
France has also openly expressed displeasure, arguing that Prime Minister Meloni's attempt to mediate the tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union could undermine European unity, insisting that tariff issues should be resolved at the EU level. On the issue of Ukraine, President Macron formed a "small leader group" with Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland for separate discussions, excluding Italy, which caused dissatisfaction for Prime Minister Meloni.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (left) and French President Emmanuel Macron are having a conversation at the G7 Summit held on the 16th in Canmore, Alberta, Canada. Photo by X
Online, various speculations have emerged about the situation between the two leaders. Some users commented, "Meloni seems to agree with Macron's opinion," and "Meloni really has a wide range of facial expressions." On the other hand, other users said, "Meloni seems to be responding half-heartedly because she finds Macron's conversation annoying," and "Isn't it quite rude for the two to have a private conversation in front of the other leaders?" Some speculated that they might have been discussing President Trump, who had previously announced he would not sign the G7 joint statement.
Meanwhile, President Trump left the G7 summit early, moving up his schedule by a day. In response, President Macron said, "There was indeed a proposal from Trump to meet and talk," mentioning the possibility of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. President Trump, however, clarified on Truth Social that "returning to Washington had nothing to do with a ceasefire," and added, "Whether intentionally or not, Macron is always wrong. Stay tuned."
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