Giorgia Meloni's ‘death stare’ at France's Emmanuel Macron after G7 clash goes viral

G7 Summit: The video showing Giorgia Meloni rolling her eyes at Emmanuel Macron surfaced hours after a debate over abortion rights language.

Updated on: Jun 16, 2024, 11:35:52 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A recent viral video capturing a frosty exchange between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron has ignited social media. Netizens noted Giorgia Meloni's cold snub of Emmanuel Macron following their clash over including specific language on abortion rights in the G7 Summit's final statement.

French President Emmanuel Macron is welcomed by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the first day of the G7 Summit, at the Borgo Egnazia resort in Savelletri, Italy, on June 13. (REUTERS)

Commenting on the video, an X user named Dr. Eli David quipped, “Italy's Giorgia Meloni can't hide her contempt for Macron.”

Watch the video here:

The viral video showing Giorgia Meloni rolling her eyes at Emmanuel Macron and their less-than-friendly handshake surfaced just hours after a heated debate over abortion rights language at the G7 Summit.

Also Read | On selfie video with Giorgia Meloni, here's how PM Narendra Modi reacted

The disagreement took centre stage in Italian media, potentially overshadowing the G7 Summit's focus on supporting Ukraine. Giorgia Meloni's office denied reports of removing references to LGBTQ rights from the statement, calling them “baseless”.

Earlier, media reports claimed that the word abortion was left out of a G7 Summit statement agreed on Friday, reflecting a rift on the issue between the host, Italy's far-right premier Giorgia Meloni, and her allies.

Leaders of the Group of Seven rich democracies last year committed to addressing “access to safe and legal abortion”, in a statement after a summit in Hiroshima in Japan.

Also Read: Giorgia Meloni shares 'Melodi' selfie video with PM Narendra Modi | Watch

But that reference did not appear in the final statement agreed at this year's summit in Puglia – with diplomats blaming Meloni.

The statement read, “We reiterate our commitments in the Hiroshima leaders' communique to universal access to adequate, affordable, and quality health services for women, including comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.”

The United States and France had both pushed back after reports that Meloni – a far-right leader who is opposed to abortion – was trying to water down the language on women's rights.

A senior EU official had earlier confirmed that attempts to use the more explicit wording had failed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.