Members of the Northern League have established a new committee aimed at forcing a party congress, according to Corriere Roma. The move represents a direct challenge to Matteo Salvini's leadership of the party.
The group, which has been named the "Committee for the Congress," is reportedly seeking to reclaim the party's original symbol and push for greater autonomy for Padania, the northern Italian region the League has historically championed. Reports from Adnkronos and la Repubblica indicate the committee's formation signals growing unrest among northern members who feel marginalized under Salvini's national direction.
Massimiliano Romeo, a prominent figure in the party, has accelerated the internal rebellion, stating that the time is ripe to question Salvini's position, as reported by HuffPost Italia. However, Lombardy's governor Attilio Fontana has distanced himself from the committee, saying it is unrelated to ongoing discussions with Salvini, according to ANSA.
The committee's creation comes amid broader tensions within the League, which has evolved from a regional northern movement into a national political force under Salvini. Critics within the party's northern base argue that this transformation has diluted the League's original focus on northern autonomy and federalism.
The push for a congress is seen as an attempt by northern members to regain influence and steer the party back toward its regional roots. Whether the committee can gather enough support to force a formal congress remains unclear, and Salvini's response to this internal challenge will likely determine the party's immediate future.
Observers will watch closely to see if this factional pressure leads to a public showdown at the party's next major gathering.
