Salvini rules out alliance with Vannacci for next election, confirms Lega campaign leadership with Zaia and Fedriga

Closing the door on Vannacci

Vice Premier and Lega secretary Matteo Salvini, interviewed by journalist Giuseppe Cruciani at the Nexus 2026 youth gathering in Milano Marittima, stated that the centre-right coalition will go to the next elections with its current formation and without Roberto Vannacci. Salvini pointed to Vannacci’s repeated parliamentary votes against the government’s confidence motion and the housing plan as proof that no rapprochement is possible. The former general, elected to the European Parliament on Lega’s list, left the party to launch Futuro Nazionale, which has since drawn support away from the League.

“We will arrive with this alliance: with Vannacci, today, evidently not. He voted against confidence in this government, against the housing plan. If he considers us failures now, I don't think he'll change his mind in a year.”

Salvini described the split as more of a human disappointment than a political one, noting that Lega had opened its doors to Vannacci and entrusted him with its history and honour, only to see him backtrack within weeks. He added that the two have not spoken again.

“Fool me once, but you won't fool me a second time. And if at their conferences they greet each other as ‘comrades’, I prefer the gatherings of Lega Giovani, with girls and boys who are friends, brothers, compatriots, autonomists.”

Campaign leadership and the electoral law

Salvini confirmed that, health permitting, he will lead the League’s election campaign, flanked by regional governors Luca Zaia and Massimiliano Fedriga, along with mayors and grassroots militants. He stressed the importance of a team effort, saying the party’s strength is its squad, not a solitary run.

On electoral reform, Salvini professed a secular approach, supporting any system that secures a majority bonus for the winner and prevents post-election palace games. His main concern is that a pure preference vote could hand an advantage to wealthy candidates who can self-finance.

“As long as there is a bonus that allows whoever wins to govern. I am secular on this. My only worry is that in this historical moment a campaign based solely on preferences risks letting only millionaires emerge and win votes.”

Ukraine and the League’s role in government

Salvini reiterated his opposition to the automatic renewal of EU sanctions against Russia, arguing that they harm Italian businesses without ending the war. He also cautioned against bringing Ukraine into the EU, saying priority should go to countries culturally and economically closer to Europe. The vice premier acknowledged that within the governing majority, Lega’s positions sometimes give way to those of other coalition partners.

Looking ahead

Salvini predicted a centre-right victory next year, with Lega polling above 10% regardless of the electoral law. He said that after three more years as secretary he will willingly hand over the baton, recalling that party militants had asked him to serve a four-year mandate in 2025.

“I started as a militant and I will continue to be a militant among militants even when I am no longer secretary. I will proudly serve as secretary for another three years and then gladly pass the torch.”