Matteo Salvini offers party power sharing in Pinzolo while challenging Vannacci and critics

Addressing internal party dissent

In Pinzolo, Trentino, Lega leader and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini addressed internal dissent within his party during the annual summer rally in Piazza Careri on 22 August 2026. Northern regional figures, led by Lombardy President Attilio Fontana and Senate floor leader Massimiliano Romeo, had called for a return to traditional autonomy and a collegial leadership structure at the Versiliana festival three days prior. Trentino President Maurizio Fugatti skipped the Pinzolo gathering for the first time in 17 years, citing family reasons after an earlier morning meeting with Salvini and provincial party secretary Diego Binelli. Salvini downplayed party divisions in front of hundreds of attendees, while rejecting demands to focus exclusively on Milan and northern regions. He offered to expand decision-making roles to regional governors and local mayors while warning that party members should focus on work rather than public criticism.

I am available to share my responsibilities and strengthen the team, to involve governors, ministers, and mayors.

Economic policy and budget priorities

Salvini outlined several economic and fiscal proposals for the upcoming national budget negotiations. The proposals include raising the annual revenue ceiling for the self-employed flat-tax regime from 85,000 euros to 100,000 euros. He also called for early retirement options allowing workers to leave employment three years before the 67-year threshold set by the Fornero law. To finance these measures, Salvini proposed levies on extraordinary bank profits, specifically referencing Intesa and Unicredit. The platform also features a ban on accumulating state bonuses, alongside an explicit refusal of any wealth tax proposals advanced by opposition parties. Salvini stated that if the European Union opposes the flat tax expansion, the government will seek backing from allies.

Ultimatum to Roberto Vannacci and coalition dynamics

Salvini delivered a direct challenge to General Roberto Vannacci regarding his political stance toward the governing coalition. Lawmakers aligned with Vannacci had repeatedly voted against government legislation over the previous year, including bills on public housing, taxation, security, and foreign affairs. Salvini noted that the housing initiative aimed to renovate and allocate 60,000 vacant public homes to listed families before encountering opposition from Vannacci's allies. He insisted that Vannacci must choose between supporting the centre-right coalition or aligning with opposition leaders Elly Schlein and Giuseppe Conte. Salvini reiterated his conviction that the current centre-right coalition has the strength to win future general elections without compromising its agenda.

He has to decide whether he wants to be in opposition with Conte and Schlein, or if he can lend a hand to the centre-right.

Migration, European policy, and legislative calendar

Turning to European and border policies, Salvini stated that 80% of Italian laws now originate in Brussels rather than Rome. He rejected German demands to accept transfers under the Dublin system while German-flagged rescue vessels operate in the Mediterranean Sea. Salvini cited recent border control statements from Hungary's leader Péter Magyar as justification for strict national migration controls. Under current Italian law, citizenship revocation is restricted to terrorism-related offences. Salvini announced that a Lega bill permitting the revocation of residence permits and citizenship for foreigners convicted of serious crimes will go to a parliamentary vote in October. The internal party discussions and policy disputes precede the annual Lega gathering in Pontida scheduled for 19 and 20 September 2026.