Renzi is seen as an ally of French President François Hollande of the Socialist Party . On 15 March 2014 Renzi met Hollande in Paris , agreeing with him a common economic policy focused not only on the austerity measures imposed by the so-called '' Troika '' of the European Commission , European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund , but also on more flexible policies to promote economic growth in the EU . Renzi is a close personal friend of French Prime Minister Manuel Valls , with the two leaders often regarded as being heirs of the Third Way politics espoused by the likes of Tony Blair . On 7 January 2015 , after the Islamic terrorist attack in Paris which caused the death of 17 people , Renzi expressed horror and dismay , offering his best wishes to the people of France and noting his close relationships with the French Prime Minister and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo . On 11 January , he joined more than 40 world leaders and three million people in the Republican March organised by President Hollande
Islamic terrorist attack
Charlie Hebdo shooting
Matteo Renzi