League Party Asserts Stability in Leadership Amidst Regional Election Debate

Rome: The League party, under the leadership of Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, convened a federal council meeting on Thursday. The meeting concluded with a statement underscoring the alignment of objectives between Salvini, Veneto Governor Luca Zaia, and the council. It emphasized that Veneto stands as a model of regional governance, asserting that a successful leadership team should remain unchanged.

According to Ansa News Agency, the meeting addressed the contentious issue of a third term for regional governors. With regional elections approaching in several areas, including Veneto, the current regulations mandate the popular Governor Zaia to step down. Both Salvini and Zaia advocate for removing the restriction on governors serving more than two consecutive terms, arguing that it limits democratic choice.

The proposal to lift the term limit faces opposition from within Premier Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing Brothers of Italy (FDI) party, as well as from Forza Italia and major opposition groups such as the Democratic Party (Pd) and the Five Star Movement (M5S). However, there are notable exceptions, including PD Campania Governor Vincenzo De Luca, who supports the change.

The government has contested a regional law passed by the Campania regional assembly, which would allow Governor De Luca to seek a third term, citing its conflict with the national two-term limit for governors. Following Thursday’s meeting, Massimiliano Romeo, the League’s whip in the Senate, emphasized the party’s commitment to maintaining its governance in regions it currently controls. Romeo also noted that it is in Meloni’s interest to find a solution that satisfies loyal allies.