French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday, February 19, 2026, for commenting on events in France, specifically her remarks on the death of Quentin Deranque. Macron, speaking from New Delhi during an official visit to India, stated that nationalists who wish to be left alone should not comment on other countries' affairs, adding, "Let everyone stay home and the sheep will be well guarded." Meloni's office reacted with "stupefaction," and she later expressed regret that Macron interpreted her comments as interference. The exchange has reignited Franco-Italian tensions, with far-right figures like Marion Maréchal defending Meloni and French right-wing politicians criticizing Macron's call for political parties to "clean house."