At the recent G7 summit held on June 16, 2025, in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, a brief yet telling private exchange between French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni captured the attention of observers and social media alike. The incident, which unfolded during the summit's opening ceremony, offered a rare glimpse into the complex and often tense relationship between these two European leaders.
According to reports from the French newspaper Le Figaro and various social media videos, Macron leaned over to Meloni and whispered for more than 30 seconds, carefully covering his mouth with his fist to prevent others from overhearing. Meloni, seated beside him, tilted her upper body significantly toward Macron, listening intently. Early in the exchange, she raised her thumb in apparent agreement with Macron’s remarks. However, as the conversation progressed, her expression noticeably shifted. Meloni’s eyes widened, and she rolled them upward in a gesture that many interpreted as irritation or disbelief.
While the exact content of their whispered conversation remains undisclosed, the scene quickly sparked speculation online. Social media users and commentators suggested that this interaction might symbolize deeper discord between the two leaders, reflecting ongoing tensions that have marked French-Italian relations since Meloni assumed office in October 2022.
The friction between Macron and Meloni is not new. At the previous G7 summit in Italy in June 2024, the pair clashed over whether to include a clause on abortion rights in the summit’s joint statement. Macron, referencing France’s constitutional protection of abortion freedom, criticized Italy’s stance by saying it lacked “the same sensibility as France.” Meloni responded sharply, telling Macron, “Do not campaign at the G7 meeting,” signaling her displeasure at what she perceived as political grandstanding.
Beyond social issues, their disagreements have extended into economic and geopolitical arenas. France expressed unease with Meloni’s self-appointed role as a mediator in the tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union. French officials argued that tariff matters should be resolved at the EU level and warned that Meloni’s involvement risked undermining European unity.
Geopolitical tensions have also simmered over Ukraine policy. Macron reportedly formed a separate “small group of leaders” including Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland to discuss Ukraine-related issues, deliberately excluding Italy. This move reportedly frustrated Meloni, who felt sidelined from critical discussions within the European alliance.
The private exchange between Macron and Meloni at the Canadian G7 summit thus appears emblematic of these broader strains. Their body language—Macron’s guarded whisper and Meloni’s evolving expressions of assent followed by apparent exasperation—speaks volumes about the complexities beneath diplomatic formalities.
Interestingly, the incident also sparked lighter reactions online. One social media user humorously overlaid an audio clip of former U.S. President Donald Trump, jokingly saying, “Meloni, come here. Do you know Trump puts pineapple on pizza? And do you know what the FBI found? Trump shreds spaghetti before cooking!” This playful jab references two culinary taboos deeply disliked by Italians: pineapple on pizza and breaking spaghetti before boiling it.
Despite their public disagreements, the two leaders appeared composed during the summit’s group photo, standing side by side with neutral expressions. Yet the whispered moment captured by cameras suggests that beneath the surface, tensions remain palpable.
As the G7 continues to grapple with pressing global issues—from economic recovery to security challenges—the dynamics between Macron and Meloni underscore the difficulties of maintaining unity among diverse national interests and political philosophies. Their interactions remind us that even among allies, diplomacy is often a delicate dance of cooperation and contestation.
For now, the world watches as these European heavyweights navigate their differences, balancing national priorities with the demands of collective leadership on the global stage.