Salvini relaunches: 'The League's statute will not change. The party will have a steering committee'

Matteo Salvini, Italy's transport minister and leader of the League party, is pushing back against internal dissent and speculation about his leadership. Amidst declining poll numbers and rumors of a potential challenge, Salvini stated that the party's statute will not change for now and that he is listening to all factions.

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I am the minister of Transport with 200 billion euros of infrastructure to complete. And today, yes, it's true, I went for a coffee with a friend I respect.

Salvini announced that he will soon introduce a "steering committee" for territories and autonomies. This body will include governors, ministers, group leaders, regional council presidents, provincial presidents, mayors, and administrators. They will meet weekly to discuss party decisions. Salvini aims to bridge the gap between the party's leadership and its regional bases, including bringing the economy minister into direct dialogue with the party.

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Matteo Salvini was elected by the congress a year ago, and now he is listening to everyone. Then, he will decide what to do.

Recent speculation about potential successors, such as Luca Zaia or Massimiliano Fedriga, was dismissed by Salvini. He asserted that there is no urgency for a deputy leader and that neither Zaia nor Fedriga have expressed interest in the role. Salvini also downplayed banners appearing in Milan and Veneto that called for "Zaia secretary," suggesting they were not placed by League members and do not concern him.

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It's true, I am listening to everyone these hours.

The League leader emphasized that his priority is addressing the concerns of the party's base, which he believes are focused on security and immigration, not internal power struggles. He stated that these internal discussions interest only a small fraction of the party's members.

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It wasn't postponed due to any particular problem, but only because many were away. And I didn't think it was appropriate to hold a meeting with ten people connected remotely.