France has recalled its ambassador to Italy 'for consultations' amid escalating tensions between the two countries.
Recent months have seen an increasing strain on relations between Emmanuel Macron's government in Paris and the populist coalition in Rome.
Senior Italian ministers have made a number of provocative remarks about France, including deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini expressing hope French voters would turn against "bad president" Macron.
This week, the latest controversy arose after a meeting between Italy's other deputy prime minister Luigi di Maio - leader of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement - and leaders of the French 'yellow vest' movement.
Yellow vest (or gilets jaunes) demonstrators have now spent several months protesting against Emmanuel Macron's government.
The meeting near Paris also included candidates being put forward for May's European elections.
Oggi con @ale_dibattista abbiamo fatto un salto in Francia e abbiamo incontrato il leader dei gilet gialli Cristophe Chalençon e i candidati alle elezioni europee della lista RIC di Ingrid Levavasseur.
Il vento del cambiamento ha valicato le Alpi. pic.twitter.com/G8E0ypLalX— Luigi Di Maio (@luigidimaio) February 5, 2019
In the wake of the incident, France says it's been subject to "repeated accusations, unfounded attacks and outrageous declarations" that are "unprecedented" since the end of World War 2.
In a statement, the French foreign ministry said: "The latest interference is an additional and unacceptable provocation.
"[It] violates the respect of the democratic choice made by a friendly and allied people."
Macron's government added that the "unprecedented situation" has led to its decision to recall its Italian ambassador for consultations.
Officials called on Italy to "restore the relationship of friendship and mutual respect" between the two countries.
There was no immediate response from Rome to the latest development.
