Internal divisions within Italy's Lega Party are becoming increasingly evident as members grapple with Matteo Salvini's unwavering support for former American President Donald Trump. The tension has been stoked by concerns over the potential economic repercussions of Trump's policies, particularly his inclination toward tariffs, which many within the party fear could harm Italian interests.
Roberto Marcato, the party's economic development assessor, voiced these anxieties crisply, stating, "Trump significa dazi e per noi è un problema. Se il partito diventerà di estrema destra ognuno prenderà le sue decisioni." Both local and national leaders appear to be increasingly at odds, with some fearing Salvini's extremism could push away traditional supporters.
Salvini's insistence on his pro-Trump stance stands in stark opposition to sentiments shared by Riccardo Molinari, the party's group leader in the Chamber of Deputies. He candidly remarked, "Il 90 per cento di noi non condivide la politica estera di Salvini. Trump ci farà male." This kind of backlash signifies deep-seated unease among party members as they navigate the political ramifications of aligning too closely with Trump's vision of nationalism.
Leading figures from Northern Italy like Luca Zaia have also found themselves caught up in the storm of dissent. Zaia recently asserted the need for the European Union to respond collectively to any tariffs proposed by the U.S. He stressed, "Chi ha paura di Trump ha paura del futuro," emphasizing the necessity of proactive measures rather than isolationist tendencies favored by Salvini.
The unrest within the party was palpably felt during meetings across Lombardy and Veneto, where local administrators gathered to express their frustrations. Many were concerned about losing the party's identity, fearing it might drift toward far-right extremism. "Stiamo perdendo identità e stiamo perdendo il sogno," one frustrated member lamented. Such statements reflect wider anxieties about the party's future under Salvini's leadership.
Further complicate the picture is Salvini's recent remarks indicative of his approach toward Trump: "se mettiamo il nostro futuro in mano a Macron ci suicidiamo" – reflecting his commitment to alternative partnerships. This attitude has not only drawn criticism but also apprehension among party members, with many questioning the incongruity of adopting Trump’s policies, which they fear could alienate voters who prefer EU collaboration over isolationist tendencies.
Former Lega leaders, like Paolo Grimoldi, have not held back. Grimoldi founded the 'Patto per il Nord' and remains vocal about his discontent with the party's direction. He stated, "Le regioni produttive del paese hanno bisogno di un’Europa aperta e competitiva," pointing toward the growing need for cooperation with European partners rather than entrenching alliances with far-right ideologies. This sentiment reflects the broader party's need to maintain its traditional base without exacerbated nationalist rhetoric.
Public sentiment appears to solidify around the notion of returning to the party's roots, with many already considering alternatives should Salvini remain stubbornly attached to Trump. What emerged during gatherings this past week was the notion of placing Salvini's leadership under scrutiny: "Nel calcio quando la squadra va male si cambia l’allenatore, ma in politica, pare, non succede"—a clear sign of dissatisfaction among party grassroots.
Independent voices within the party are also speaking out. Alberto Villanova, another influential regional leader, remarked on Trump’s unpredictability, stating, "Le dichiarazioni di Trump ci fanno stare sull'attenti: non vanno sottovalutate." His acknowledgment of the potential dangers presents yet another angle of dissent against Salvini's aggressive stance.
Marcato, echoing sentiments rooted deep within the original values of the Lega, concludes with clarity, urging the necessity of relaying European federalist ideas. "Dobbiamo costruire un’Unione vera, pragmatica, incisiva," he emphasized. This call for unity and pragmatism reflects internal desires for the party not only to thrive but to maintain its identity amid external pressures from the Trump administration.
With Salvini cornered and the party mobilizing around diverse views, the future direction of the Lega remains uncertain. The conflicting internal dialogues about Trump reflect broader concerns—both economic and ideological—about the risks of endorsing extreme nationalist policies. Without finding consensus and reconnecting with traditional roots, the party might face significant electoral challenges as its members question the viability of their current leadership and strategic direction.