The recent public endorsements of Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti by influential regional governors within Italy’s Lega party have brought to light a simmering internal conflict, hinting at a potential realignment of power and ideology within the right-wing political force. While the immediate trigger-a dispute over pension reforms-has been officially downplayed as a mere ‘misunderstanding,’ the visible scars of this internal struggle suggest a deeper divergence between Matteo Salvini’s leadership and a growing faction advocating for a more pragmatic and pro-European approach.
The Unfolding Schism: Giorgetti as a Symbol of a New Direction?
The rift became unmistakably clear when Salvini reportedly gave his private blessing to a group, led by Claudio Borghi, that labeled Giorgetti a ‘technical minister’ in their bid to scrap the pension reform. This move, however, was met with a robust defense of Giorgetti by the ‘party of governors,’ who continued to voice their support even after the contentious norm was discarded.
Attilio Fontana, the Governor of Lombardy, publicly lauded Giorgetti as ‘an incredibly strong, competent, and upright figure whom we all appreciate,’ asserting that his value ‘cannot be questioned by anyone.’ Massimiliano Fedriga, Governor of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Giorgetti’s ‘crucial work for the country,’ highlighting his distance from ‘propaganda’ and focus on ‘concrete facts,’ which he deemed ‘good for Italy.’
These endorsements are not merely about personal esteem; they represent a significant ideological fault line. The governors’ faction, which includes not only Fontana and Fedriga but also the influential former governor Luca Zaia, appears to be more pro-European, more aligned with governmental responsibilities, and more supportive of Ukraine. Their approach to immigration also leans towards the economic needs of businesses rather than its impact on opinion polls. This stands in stark contrast to Salvini’s increasingly less European stance, his preference for ‘struggle’ over governance, and his reluctance to extend financial aid to Ukraine.
Beyond the Immediate: A Battle for the Future of Lega
The internal distance between Salvini’s Lega and the governors’ faction extends beyond immediate policy debates. With the 2026 pre-election year looming, the current skirmishes are seen as precursors to a larger battle over the party’s future direction and its positioning in the upcoming legislative grid. An insider privy to the recent tensions suggested that Salvini might entertain the idea of launching Giorgetti as a candidate for Mayor of Milan. This move, the source speculated, could be a strategic attempt to neutralize Giorgetti’s influence within the national party, especially given the likelihood of him being reinstated as Economy Minister by Giorgia Meloni should Lega secure another term in 2027. Such a scenario would make it ‘almost impossible’ for Salvini to simultaneously claim the Interior Ministry, given the current and prospective power dynamics.
The German Model and the Quest for Equilibrium
To prevent the internal conflict from escalating further, some within the party are contemplating a ‘pact’ or an agreement to avoid future incidents. Among those aligned with the Fedriga-Fontana-Zaia trio in Parliament, a variation of the German ‘CDU-CSU’ model is gaining traction. While the idea of Lega splitting into two consensually separate entities might seem like ‘political fantasy,’ the counter-argument is that ‘a rebalancing in the leadership that takes this difference into account and crystallizes it in via Bellerio is not.’ This suggests a desire for a formalized recognition of the divergent factions, potentially leading to a more structured co-existence within the party.
The current dynamics within Lega are a vivid illustration of the challenges facing right-wing parties in Europe as they navigate between populist appeals and the demands of governance. The public backing for Giorgetti by the governors signals a potential shift towards a more moderate, pragmatic wing within Lega, which could have profound implications for Italy’s political landscape. As the party grapples with these internal tensions, its trajectory will undoubtedly shape the broader coalition government and the future of Italian politics.
