FRANCE recalled its ambassador to Rome today amid a row over talks held by the Italian government with the yellow vests movement, which is demanding the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron.

A statement from the Foreign Ministry said the move was the latest in a series of “provocations” by Italy’s right-wing coalition government following the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Luigi di Maio and France’s “gilets jaunes” anti-government protesters.

A spokesman said: “This new provocation is unacceptable between neighbouring countries and partners at the heart of the European Union.

“Mr di Maio, who has governmental responsibilities, should ensure that he does not impair with its repeated interferences our bilateral relations, in the interest of both France and Italy.”

The meeting, which was held in Paris, saw Mr di Maio, of the Five Star Movement, enter discussions with yellow vest spokesman Christophe Chalencon and candidates who are standing on the list in May’s European elections.

“The wind of change has crossed the Alps,” Mr di Maio said after the meeting.

He said both the yellow vests and the Five Star Movement shared “many common positions and values that focus on the battles for citizens, social rights, direct democracy and the environment.”

Mr Chalencon said that while there was agreement on a number of key issues, no decision had been taken on whether the two parties would form an alliance for May’s poll.

The meeting comes after a series of attacks by the Italian government on Mr Macron, who was accused by Matteo Salvini of being a terrible president and creating an “immigration problem” by continuing the French colonisation of Africa.