Matteo Salvini confronts Lega internal dissent and sets terms for Roberto Vannacci at Pinzolo rally

Party friction and leadership sharing

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini addressed supporters in Piazza Careri in Pinzolo during the annual summer rally of the Lega party. The gathering occurred amid internal friction with the party northern wing, which met three days earlier at La Versiliana to demand a return to regional federalism over nationalist politics. Regional officials including Lombardy Governor Attilio Fontana and Senate group leader Massimiliano Romeo had urged the creation of a collective leadership directorate. Trentino Governor Maurizio Fugatti was absent from the Pinzolo rally for the first time in 17 years, citing personal reasons. Salvini responded by bringing members of the local Trentino administration on stage while agreeing to broaden decision-making to regional governors, ministers, and mayors.

If everyone works a lot and talks little, it is good for the Lega and for Italy.

Ultimatum over Vannacci alliance

Salvini directed direct warnings toward General Roberto Vannacci, whose parliamentary allies have repeatedly voted against government measures. Salvini noted that lawmakers aligned with Vannacci voted against the national housing plan aimed at renovating 60,000 vacant public homes, as well as against government positions on tax policy, public security, and foreign affairs. While affirming that the centre-right coalition could secure future electoral victories with its existing configuration, Salvini insisted that Vannacci must formally decide where his political allegiance lies. He stated that the coalition would not recruit everyone indiscriminately simply to gain votes, warning against actions that align with left-wing opposition figures like Elly Schlein, Giuseppe Conte, Nicola Fratoianni, and Ilaria Salis.

He must decide whether he wants to be in opposition with Conte and Schlein, or give a hand to the centre-right.

Stance against German migration returns

Turning to immigration, Salvini rejected German requests to accept transfers of asylum seekers under the Dublin Regulation. He tied the issue to the maritime operations of German non-governmental organizations, asserting that Italy would not receive migrants from Berlin while German-flagged vessels transport rescued passengers to Italian ports. Salvini cited recent announcements from the new Hungarian government under Peter Magyar refusing undocumented arrivals to argue that Italy should maintain a similar border policy. Salvini also announced that a Lega-sponsored legislative proposal will reach a parliamentary vote in October 2026. The draft legislation seeks to enable authorities to revoke residence permits and citizenship from foreign nationals convicted of serious offences, expanding current revocation powers beyond terrorism-related crimes.

Germany has no right to send back a single irregular immigrant to us as long as there are German NGO ships in the Mediterranean unloading thousands of illegal entrants in Italy and Europe.

Budget priorities and bank levy

Salvini outlined fiscal proposals for the upcoming national budget, focusing on pension reform and tax thresholds. He proposed funding early retirement, allowing workers to retire three years before reaching the threshold set by the Fornero pension reform, through levies on excess banking profits. Salvini singled out financial institutions Unicredit and Intesa as contributors to these revenue targets. The proposal also includes raising the maximum annual earnings cap for the self-employed flat tax regime from 85,000 euros to 100,000 euros. Salvini dismissed suggestions that the party should narrow its focus solely to Milan and Lombardy, arguing that European Union regulations in Brussels remain the primary constraint on national economic management.