(ANSA) - Paris, November 21 - Democratic Party (PD) leader
and former Italian premier Matteo Renzi said on Tuesday French
President Emmanuel Macron "now represents the point of reference
for relaunching Europe", according to sources present at a
meeting of the leaders in Paris.
Renzi and Macron also reportedly expressed "concern over the
uncertainty of the situation in Germany" following the collapse
of coalition talks on Monday.
The sources said the leaders agreed on the need to "combat
populism, LePenism and its allies, including Salvini in Italy".
"The relationship between Macron and Renzi showed itself to
be strong and consolidated," they added.
On leaving the Elisee Palace after the hour-long meeting,
Renzi said it had "gone well".
Speaking on his return to Italy, Renzi said "Macron is now
the most important leader in Europe, more even than (German
Chancellor Angela) Merkel".
Among other things, he said he and Macron had not discussed
the possibility of the PD leaving the European Socialists
caucus.
Macron key for Europe relaunch (2)
Leaders express 'concern' at political uncertainty in Germany