Matteo Salvini dismisses internal dissent, reaffirms Lega party unity

Matteo Salvini, leader of the Italian Lega party, forcefully asserted party unity and dismissed internal dissent during a public appearance. "Reflections are welcome, but the Lega is the party of the north, the center, the south. If there are people who think differently, long live democracy. But they are not the party. The party is here today," Salvini declared.

His remarks were aimed at members who have openly questioned his leadership and called for a change. Salvini drew a clear line between those who support the national party structure he champions and those who encourage divisions. He warned that dissenters were effectively outside the party's core.

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Reflections are welcome, but the Lega is the party of the north, the center, the south. If there are people who think differently, long live democracy. But they are not the party. The party is here today.

Salvini also took a jab at Roberto Vannacci, a controversial figure within the party, regarding electoral lists. He alluded to a past request from Vannacci concerning a "blocked lead candidate." Vannacci had recently cited a poll suggesting his own party, Futuro Nazionale, was rising in popularity, a claim Salvini did not directly address but implicitly dismissed.

The Lega leader also touched upon other policy matters, reaffirming his stance against a tax on bank extra-profits and expressing commitment to implementing a flat tax for self-employed individuals earning up to 100,000 euros. He also mentioned revoking citizenship for immigrants convicted of crimes and advancing the project for a bridge across the Strait of Messina.

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Now he says he is absolutely against blocked lists. My friend, one thing you asked me: your man as a blocked lead candidate.