Meloni demands Paris deny Boone 'interference threat'

(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 7 - Brothers of Italy (FdI) leader and likely future Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni on Friday demanded the French government distance itself from comments by its European Affairs Minister Laurence Boone after she was quoting as saying Paris would monitor respect for the rule of law under the new government in Rome - prompting President Sergio Mattarella to say Italy could look after itself.
    "I read in (daily newspaper) 'La Repubblica' that French Minister Laurence Boone reportedly said 'we want to work with Rome but we will watch over the respect of rights and freedom' and 'we will be very attentive to the respect of the values and regulations of the rule of law'," Meloni said via Facebook.
    "I'm hoping that the left-wing press has misinterpreted the statements made by members of a foreign government and I trust that the French government will deny these words, which seem too much like an unacceptable threat of interference against a sovereign State and EU member.
    "The age of governments led by the (centre-left Democratic Party) PD asking for protection from abroad is over".
    Sources at Boone's office said the minister's thoughts had been "excessively simplified" and that "France obviously respects the democratic choice of the Italians.
    "The minister, who is close to Italy, wants to carry on the work of cooperation and wishes to dialogue with the future executive as soon as possible.
    "The minister does not mean to give lessons to anyone".
    Mattarella, for his part, said "Italy can look after itself while respecting the (Italian) Constitution and the values of the European Union". (ANSA).