The League: Salvini-governors’ summit – now a manifesto and a roadmap

The meeting did nothing to resolve the issues. But it does at least mark a truce ahead of the Pontida event on 20 September. Which, as the Lega’s Senate group leader, Massimiliano Romeo, assures us (whose position is hanging in the balance following criticism of Salvini’s nationalist-sovereignist line) “is sacrosanct, so we’ll all be united – that much is certain”. Matteo Salvini meets after lunch in Rome (during a break in the Lega’s two-day session dedicated to proposals ahead of the budget) with the ‘rebellious faction’ of northern governors (Attilio Fontana, Massimiliano Fedriga, Maurizio Fugatti and the former Luca Zaia – not Veneto’s Alberto Stefani, who is considered close to the secretary) who for months have been pressing (although only Fontana has spoken out publicly so far) for a collective leadership of the party, which is facing a crisis of support, and a revival of the ‘Northern Question’.

A face-to-face meeting at the leader’s home in Rome, away from prying eyes. The official statement refers to an “atmosphere of total cooperation” and an “opportunity to discuss the League’s roadmap” ahead of “the upcoming elections”. There was agreement on the “desire to begin” the “drafting of a policy manifesto capable of bringing together the League’s ideas, priorities and proposals”. The Pontida meeting was described as “a crucial moment for relaunching the League’s political and governmental action”. In reality, however, the face-to-face meeting was not without its moments of tension