In Rome, the motion of no confidence against Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini was unsuccessful. The leader of the right-wing populist party Lega, Salvini received overwhelming support from the coalition of three center-right parties during a session in the Chamber of Deputies. With 209 MPs voting against the motion, Salvini retains his position as transport minister and deputy head of government under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Salvini has been making waves in Germany with his strict measures against boat refugees and rescue organizations during his previous role as interior minister. More recently, his statements regarding Russia have sparked criticism at home, with some interpreting them as aligning closely with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. Salvini has also faced scrutiny for his past connections with Putin.
Despite this, leading up to the vote of no confidence, the Lega distanced itself from a 2017 agreement with the Kremlin’s United Russia party. Criticism of Salvini within the Lega itself has also emerged. The party’s performance in the upcoming European elections in June is seen as significant, with Salvini’s leadership potentially at risk if the Lega underperforms. Currently polling below ten percent, trailing behind Meloni’s Fratelli d’Italia party which has shifted towards the center since gaining power. In contrast to their 2019 European election success where they secured over 34 percent of the vote.