Migrants: the reception of the Ocean Viking criticized by the political class

Friday, November 11, the Ocean Viking docked in Toulon. However, this is not the end of the tensions between France and Italy. Giorgia Meloni, President of the Italian Council, said: “I am very shocked by the aggressive reaction of the French government, which from my point of view is incomprehensible and unjustified.“ This statement was carried out in response to that of Gérald Darmanin, who had regretted the decision of the Italian government not to provide assistance to the Ocean Viking. The Minister of the Interior had also indicated that the agreement with Italy on the support of 3,000 migrants by France was henceforth suspended.

In France, the reception of the Ocean Viking is strongly contested by the political class. Thus, Marine le Pen reacted on Twitter by criticizing the decision of the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron. For his part, the deputy of the Republicans Eric Ciotti said: “The reception of this boat will set a dangerous precedent which will lead France to welcome others“. France and Italy want the European Union to intervene to settle the crisis.