Italy’s new populist government has reacted furiously to suggestions by the president of the European Commission that the south of the country is corrupt and feckless.
The row erupted between Brussels and the new coalition government before it was even inaugurated an event due to take place later on Friday.
As the new administration was in the process of being formed on Thursday, Jean-Claude Juncker was asked about the economic situation in Italy, which has the second highest debt per capita in the EU after Greece.
I’m in deep love with Italy. Bella Italia. But I can no longer accept that everything that is wrong in southern Italy is explained by the fact the EU, the European Commission won’t do enough, he said in a question and answer session in Brussels.
Italians have to take care of the poor regions of Italy. That means more work, less corruption, seriousness.
He added: I have full confidence in the genius of the Italian people.
The remarks earned an angry rebuke from Matteo Salvini, the head of the hard-Right League party, who is due to be appointed interior minister in the coalition between his party and the anti-establishment Five Star Movement.
Italians corrupt and lazy?, Mr Salvini wrote on Facebook. Shameful and racist words, with the next government we will see we get the rights and dignity of 60 million Italians respected. (They) expect collaboration, not insults from Europe.
In a question-and-answer session, Juncker referred to the structural problems of the regions of southern Italy, where the EU has done a lot to mobilise funds to create growth and jobs.
The take-up of EU funds can be improved so that people can see the results in the field more quickly.
Both parties were angered this week when Guenther Oettinger, the EU’s Budget Commissioner, suggested that turmoil on the financial markets could teach Italians not to be seduced by populists.
Five Star were outraged by the remarks.
The words of Commissioner Oettinger are absurd, Luigi Di Maio, the Five Star leader, wrote on Twitter. These people treat Italy as though it is just a summer colony where they spend their holidays.
He and his 18 new ministers will be sworn in on Friday afternoon. Mr Conte has promised a government of change.
The formation of the government comes after 88 days of political deadlock following the inconclusive election of March 4, when no single bloc or party won enough votes to command a majority.