Salvini has gathered signatures against Romeo, but Romeo is holding his ground: “I’m not leaving”

Cut, sever and punish. The Lega’s party conference has ended; the Congress has begun. Salvini is demanding Romeo’s resignation as Senate group leader and has tabled the signatures of senators to replace him. They had already been collected, but the number has now reportedly risen to 25 out of 29. Missing is the hugely significant signature of Massimo Garavaglia, the ‘highly honourable’ one, or Salvini’s challenger; also missing are the signatures of Senators Spelgatti and Pirovano. Also absent is the most symbolic signature: that of Calderoli, who wishes to abstain. Romeo is not resigning; he is merely leaving, with a motion of no confidence to be tabled at a group meeting. To replace Romeo: either Dreosto, Romeo’s ‘Cassio’, or Paganella, Salvini’s loyal ally.

The Federal Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday and is intended to put Romeo on trial once again, to buy time. The new secretariat announced by Salvini after the Congress does not exist, and the one that does resembles a block of flats where residents are arguing over renovating the façade. The real power lies with Durigon, the ‘secretary-in-chief’, the shrewd figure who, in Milan, asked Zaia to join and become part of the new team. For Salvini, the more people who leave, the fewer problems remain. Romeo is not alone. Alongside Garavaglia, Attilio Fontana is also asking to stay – a man who has no need for parliamentary seats – and who, regarding any possible reprisals, says: “Clearly, the promises seem to have been broken”. It is as if Salvini wanted to push this ‘hidalgo’ League out. It is said that Giorgetti might tour Europe as Draghi does, taking on posts far from Italy. Silvana Comaroli, the League member who for years has overseen the Budget Bill, is being relieved of her duties this year, solely because she is a friend of Giorgetti’s. Who will be next? Giorgetti’s mechanic, his butcher or his florist? Salvini is no man of peace; he’s a joke of a Yoko Ono. He calls for a truce with Iran whilst continuing the war at home.