Matteo Salvini faces setbacks in his bid to return to the Interior Ministry as coalition partners express skepticism.
Matteo Salvini's aspirations to reclaim the Interior Ministry for the second time in a few months have encountered significant obstacles, largely due to his coalition allies.
In a recent television appearance, Salvini reiterated his desire to discuss the matter with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, reflecting ongoing negotiations between the two leaders.
A recent exchange of messages reveals Meloni advising Salvini to 'not force' the issue, firmly indicating that the resolution he seeks is unlikely to unfold as he desires.
Salvini, leader of the League party, promptly responded to this advice with a public statement emphasizing his commitment to his current role as Minister of Transport.
He stressed his focus on ongoing projects, including infrastructure developments, train services, and initiatives linked to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
Despite these reassurances, there are growing concerns within the ruling coalition regarding Salvini's dissatisfaction with his ministerial position, leading many to speculate that he is actively seeking an alternative path.
Key issues at the forefront of coalition discussions include the ongoing war in Ukraine, U.S. tariffs, and European defense matters.
There are indications that Salvini's influence has diminished following public reminders from Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani about their leadership roles in shaping government policy on international issues.
Salvini's attempts to shift blame for delays in rail services to supposed sabotage have lost traction, as investigations by law enforcement suggest a lack of evidence supporting his claims.
Additionally, his promise to expedite the construction of the Long Bridge over the Strait of Messina has faced repeated delays, with officials indicating that procedural hindrances could postpone the start of work until after the next administration.
Political analysts view this as a significant setback for Salvini's ambitions.
The dynamics within the League are tense, as some members question the wisdom of Salvini's public confrontations concerning the ministry.
Concerns exist that his continued pressure could provoke further discord within the coalition, especially as Fratelli d'Italia (FdI) maintains the upper hand over Salvini's prospects for a return to the Interior Ministry.
Discussions regarding regional elections in northern Italy reveal a fragile consensus among coalition members.
Reports suggest a non-aggression pact that would allow the League to nominate a candidate for governor post-Zaia, albeit with FdI retaining significant influence in the cabinet structure.
As coalition partners maneuver for advantage in upcoming elections, the fallout from contention over the Interior Ministry remains a delicate issue.
In the wake of the communication between Salvini and Meloni, the Prime Minister opted not to revisit the ministry discussion during a recent summit at Palazzo Chigi.
Instead, she sought to manage tensions between her party and the League, particularly surrounding international trade discussions amidst the backdrop of a potential meeting with U.S. President
Donald Trump.
Observers note that the timing of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance's visit could further complicate the coalition's diplomatic messaging.