Spanish-speaking leaders clash on Italy’s political stage
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini met on the sidelines of a Council of Ministers session in Rome last Tuesday. The preface to the encounter was tense, and observers judged the outcome far from positive. The two leaders, headed toward different ends of the same right-wing coalition, have long been close partners in the government. Yet weeks of internal strain within the coalition have tested that bond. The session was meant to bridge divides, but the mood in the room was dampened, earning the night the nickname “Black smoke” among observers.
The delicate balance between Salvini and Meloni had been evident from the outset. The immediate contest centers on upcoming electoral appointments that will shape Italy’s political landscape this year. In June, the European Parliament elections will set the tone for the continent, while regional elections loom closer at home. Five regions—Abruzzo, Basilicata, Piedmont, Umbria, and Sardinia—are scheduled to hold votes in 2024, presenting a crowded battleground for both parties.
The most heated confrontation played out in Sardinia. The regional union-backed candidate is Christian Solinas, while Brothers of Italy supports Paolo Truzzu, Sardinia’s current mayor and a Meloni ally. The risk, as conveyed by analysts, is that failing to present a united front could allow rivals to outflank them in a region that matters strategically and symbolically to both camps.
train crash
Negotiations stretched over weeks, with the Brothers of Italy standing firm. “Solinas has not demonstrated mismanagement, but we believe our candidate can perform better,” stated Francesco Lollobrigida, Meloni’s brother-in-law and a prominent figure in ongoing talks with the Union. The Union, for its part, remained determined to defend its chosen strategy. The pivot came in an unexpected way: on Wednesday night, it emerged that Solinas faced a corruption investigation, sharply diminishing his prospects of continuing as the League’s candidate.
Several experts noted that the clash between the League and Italy’s Brothers is unlikely to be settled soon. The political dynamics are shifting: the coalition’s bipartisan balance has tipped, with Salvini’s League losing some popularity even as Meloni’s support has surged. A reminder of the broader trend came from the last European elections, when Salvini’s party polled around 34 percent, while Meloni’s Brothers of Italy secured roughly 6.4 percent—a gap that has since narrowed in the polls, but still signals a realignment in voter loyalty.
Meloni’s weight
Analysts suggest Meloni will press to maximize her visibility to consolidate support. In recent remarks, political scientist Giovanni Orsina of Luiss University in Rome suggested that Salvini could become more provocative in his criticisms of Meloni. Meloni herself is focused on strengthening her leadership role within the coalition, underlining that her party remains the strongest pole within the alliance.
The Veneto region adds another layer of complexity. It is unclear whether the right-wing coalition will nominate a single candidate there. The outgoing president, Luca Zaia, is a prominent figure within the League, and his leadership complicates the slate. Veneto is not just any region; it is one of Italy’s wealthiest areas and a focal point in the League’s push for greater autonomy and influence.
Another dimension concerns Europe. There has been chatter about warmth and tension between Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Some observers note that Meloni’s European affiliations have been fluid—she leads the European Conservatives and Reformists in the past, while in the present she is often discussed in relation to the European People’s Party. The evolving European lineup adds pressure on Italian leadership as it seeks to navigate alliances that could shape its influence within Brussels.
Recently, Meloni signaled openness to participating in European elections, a move seen by some as a way to gauge rivals and bargaining power. In the coalition, Forza Italia’s leadership hinted that the ongoing tensions could spill into areas with real political weight. The year ahead is likely to keep fueling sporadic sparks as the parties test each other’s limits and probe for strategic openings.