Italy Dispute in Salvini's party: right-winger Vannacci turns his back on Lega
The power struggle over the political direction of the right-wing populist governing party Lega, led by Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, has escalated. The deputy leader of the Lega, Roberto Vannacci, has declared that he wants to go his own political way in future. The ex-army general and MEP is considered to be on the far right and has caused controversy in the past with racist and homophobic comments.
03.02.2026, 17:54
SDA
Vannacci also announced on social media that he wanted to continue his political path in future with a new movement under the name "Futuro Nazionale" (National Future). "I love my country and want to continue fighting for it by staying away from machinations, compromises of purpose and collusion," the 57-year-old continued.
Salvini "disappointed and bitter"
A power struggle between supporters of moderate and radical positions has been simmering within the Lega for some time. The tensions could no longer be hidden. A few days ago, Vannacci threatened to split from the Lega. Salvini wrote on X that he was disappointed by his move. The party had accepted him when he had everyone against him and stood alone. Vannacci's move is regrettable both humanly and politically.
The Lega is one of the smaller coalition partners of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of the right-wing party Fratelli d'Italia (Brothers of Italy), which has governed Italy without interruption for more than three years - longer than almost any other head of government since the Second World War. The coalition is considered stable.
Last meeting with British right-wing extremist
In opinion polls, the Lega is at around eight percent and thus behind its two coalition partners. Salvini has recently attracted attention by moving closer to right-wing positions. For example, he recently met with British right-wing extremist Tommy Robinson. Last week, his party also wanted to organize a conference with neo-fascist activists.
