The ministry said Di Maio’s meeting with the protesters was “unacceptable” and accused him of undermining relations between the neighbouring countries.
“This new provocation is unacceptable between neighbouring countries and partners at the heart of the European Union,” a ministry spokesman said in a statement a day after Di Maio met the protesters on French soil.
“Mr Di Maio, who has governmental responsibilities, should ensure that he does not impair with his repeated interferences our bilateral relations, in the interest of both France and Italy.”
Di Maio, who also leads the populist, anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S), on Tuesday said he had stopped over in France and met “yellow vests” leader Christophe Chalencon and candidates on the grassroots movement’s list for European Parliament elections in May.
He tweeted that “winds of change” had crossed the Alps.
Tensions have simmered between France and Italy since the M5S and far-right League party came to power in Italy last year, with pressing issues such as immigration causing clashes between the two countries.
The “yellow vest” protests against fuel taxes began in rural France in late November, before ballooning into a wider revolt against Macron’s policies and governing style in December.
The movement has displayed violent streaks at times.
