Simonetta Matone leaves the Lega and joins Forza Italia: "No to sovereignist tendencies"

Simonetta Matone is leaving the Lega group and joining Forza Italia. “I remain firmly within the centre-right,” the MP said in a statement, “but I am opposed to sovereignist tendencies and to extreme, unworkable positions. ‘Forza Italia represents an enlightened centre-right, a solid point of reference for moderates, the long-standing heir to the rule of law championed with courage by Silvio Berlusconi, and firmly anchored to a balanced vision, including in foreign policy,’ she concluded.”

A magistrate and former chief of staff to Vassalli, Matone had already hinted at leaving the party in Il Foglio, albeit for different reasons. “I’m leaving. How can I explain to my constituents in Lazio that there’s one Lega that speaks ill of the other? I won’t let myself be dragged into this mudslinging. If I’m not needed, I’ll go home or find another party,” she had said, referring to the northern-leaning pressure the party was facing. 

Matone is leaving the Lega just the day after the party’s extraordinary congress, held in Milan, which confirmed Matteo Salvini as secretary. From the stage, Salvini announced that he would ask the Council of Ministers to stop providing money and weapons to Ukraine. Antonio Tajani, leader of Forza Italia—the party to which Matone has now moved—responded to these remarks today: “My position is well known: we stand with Ukraine and will continue to support it for as long as necessary.”