Lucrezia Ciotti Matteo Salvini is resigning as League secretary ahead of the extraordinary party congress on October 24th and 25th in Milan, where he is seeking a new confirmation as party leader. Meanwhile, Alberto Di Rubba is taking on the role of commissioner, while internal reorganization, changes to the party symbol, and discussions with allies regarding the upcoming Milan municipal elections remain on the table.
Salvini resigns as League secretary; Di Rubba appointed commissioner until the congress.
Matteo Salvini has formally resigned as League secretary to run again at the extraordinary party congress scheduled for October 24 and 25 in Milan . The decision, made during the party's federal council, also results in the termination of the positions of the three deputy secretaries.
Until the congress, the leadership of the Northern League will be entrusted to Treasurer Alberto Di Rubba , appointed Commissioner with acting duties . Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Chamber of Deputies, will preside over the proceedings.
Extraordinary Congress, new symbol, and political secretariat: Salvini's moves
The resignations of Salvini and deputy secretaries Claudio Durigon, Silvia Sardone, and Alberto Stefani represent a necessary procedural step to begin the elective congress.
" As long agreed and anticipated ," a statement from the League stated , explaining that the decisions were formalized during the Federal Council. The initiative is part of the process undertaken by the League leader to address the internal tensions that have emerged in recent months and respond to calls for greater shared decision-making. Salvini has announced the creation of a political secretariat, with the aim of " sharing honors and burdens ," as well as a possible update to the party's symbol.
Among the options is the removal of the phrase " Salvini Prime Minister ," also in light of the new electoral law. Both issues will be addressed during the congress, which the outgoing secretary is not expected to attend with other candidates for party leadership. The delegates will be the same ones who confirmed him at the last federal congress in Florence. In the event of a single candidacy, voting will be open and by a show of hands; the same procedure is envisaged for any motions and policy documents. Politically, the meeting will also be an opportunity to define the League's priorities for the upcoming economic package and the upcoming general elections.
Among the proposals relaunched by the Federal Council are the abolition of the RAI license fee, the expansion of the Special Economic Zones (ZES), a contribution from banks that, according to Salvini, should come "spontaneously, without any forceful intervention," a flat tax for self-employed individuals with incomes up to €100, and a reduction in the retirement age to 64, compared to the 67 currently enshrined in the Fornero reform. The congress may also host documents and proposals from various party components. Salvini rejected the label "northerner" attributed to some critics, stating: " I am a northerner, I joined the Lega Lombarda in 1990. And there are no dissidents ."
Meanwhile, debate remains ongoing over the upcoming Milan municipal elections and the choice of the center-right mayoral candidate. Salvini continues to support Silvia Sardone and insists on the possibility of holding primaries, especially in the absence of an agreement among his allies. The League leader invoked the political legacy of Silvio Berlusconi, declaring: " Silvio Berlusconi founded a united center-right. We are united everywhere; there's no reason why we should be divided in Milan ." This proposal contrasts with the idea, advanced by Forza Italia members, of the League also considering a separate run. Salvini reiterated the need to let the citizens decide if an agreement isn't reached: " I believe Sardone can win. But if we can't reach an agreement, let's let the citizens choose ."