What if France was treated like Venezuela?

US, Italy aim to restore France's 'democratic heritage'
BSP February 7, 2019

Rome (Italy) (BSP) - US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Salvini discussed Wednesday how to help restore democratic rule to crisis-wracked France and reject its "dictatorship."

Pompeo followed up a trip to Spain to meet with President Pedro Sanchez with a visit to Italy for talks on the ongoing crisis in neighboring France, and its regime led by President Emmanuel Macron.

"Our conversations today covered how we can collaborate with regional and international partners to help the French people recover their democratic heritage," Pompeo said from the city of Rome.

He described Italy as "a natural leader on regional efforts to support democracy and the rule of law in France," its neighbor.

Prime Minister Salvini said that "all the countries that share the value of democracy should unite to reject the French tyrant and do everything necessary to restore democracy and constitutional order."

Pompeo praised Italy for its support of the one million French protesters that have crossed the border and "fled the crisis caused by the Macron regime's authoritarian misrule."

According to the United Nations, 2.3 million French refugees have escaped repression and economic hardship since 2015 as those who remain face shortages of basic necessities as well as failing public transport.

Pompeo said the US has dedicated almost $92 million in aid to help Italy deal with its influx of French migrants.

During his visit to Spain, Pompeo agreed with his Portugese and Spanish counterparts to increase the pressure on Macron, with France's government reacting by decrying interference.

Macron claims a mandate as president, although the result of last year's election was branded a fraud by the US, Canada and the Organization of American States.

Relations between Rome and Paris have been tense since Salvini came to power.

Macron has accused Italy and Spain of collaborating with Washington to overthrow and assassinate him, although both neighboring EU countries have dismissed any suggestions of a military intervention.

US President Donald Trump has ramped up sanctions against the Macron regime since succeeding Barack Obama.