Lega Lawmaker Erik Pretto Defects, Angering Party Leadership

The Lega party is facing another internal defection as lawmaker Erik Pretto has left the party to sit with the Mixed Group in the Chamber of Deputies. This move has reportedly infuriated party leadership, though Secretary Matteo Salvini publicly downplayed the significance, stating, "Let's talk about serious things."

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Let's talk about serious things.

Pretto, a long-time member and two-time legislator from Vicenza, cited criticism of the party's political direction and what he described as an "unfounded and inadmissible" disciplinary measure as reasons for his departure. His decision has caused a stir in the Veneto region, with local Lega officials like Giuseppe Canova accusing Pretto of betraying the party and its constituents.

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From someone like Pretto, who fought to enter the federal council and represent Veneto, we would have expected gratitude towards those who elected him to support the region's demands.

Canova suggested that Pretto's exit was anticipated, implying that an expulsion was already in the works. Paolo Borchia, head of the Lega delegation in Brussels, commented that Pretto seemed to have chosen to be a "professional politician" rather than a party militant. A key point of contention appears to be financial contributions, with Borchia stating that elected officials have a moral obligation to the party base and leadership.

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It comes a day when one must decide whether one is a militant or wants to be a professional politician. It seems Pretto has decided the type of path he wants to take.

However, Pretto disputes these claims, asserting that he has contributed significantly to the party and its local administrators since 2018, totaling €322,861. He questions how he can be accused of insufficient support. Other Lega figures, like Arianna Lazzarini and Denis Frison, have expressed disappointment and emphasized the enduring nature of the Lega's ideals over individual members.

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From 2018, I have given the party and support for the network of local administrators 322,861 euros. How can I be accused of not having supported the movement enough?