The controversy on the political and security rivalry between France and Italy over Libya has rekindled, following declarations made by Italian Deputy Prime Minister Luigi di Maio on 21 January. The Deputy Prime Minister has accused France of focusing solely on its energy interests in its approach to the Libyan crisis. Thus far, there has not been an official response from the French administration. According to Middle East Monitor report from 22 January, an article from the Tribune de Genève shed some light on the tensions between France and Italy and their impacts on the situation in Libya, denouncing a ‘real war for influence between France and Italy’. Anaysts argue that both European countries are pursuing their own agendas in Libya, with Italy focusing on the migration issue while France has chosen to focus its actions on the fight against terrorist groups.Click here to read the report.
Controversy on French-Italian rivalry in Libya rekindled