The eighty hidalghos who have endorsed the candidacy of the challenger to the Carroccio secretary want ‘open’ polling booths because they fear that, in the secrecy of the ballot box – where one cannot see the voter’s back – a photograph might be taken of the vote cast

The major associations are satisfied with the minister’s promises and are calling on Piantedosi to clear the roadblocks. The organisations leading the protest in the south, however, are threatening to continue until 27 October. High diesel prices are weighing on everyone, but the sector is divided over the methods to be used. And there is a risk that shelves will run empty even in the north, where no one is on strike

The 80 signatures required to take part in the conference on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October in Milan have been reached. Among those who have signed in support of the former Minister for Tourism are the Governor of Lombardy, Attilio Fontana, and the Senate group leader, Massimiliano Romeo.

Garavaglia is just a few signatures short of challenging the leader at the Lega congress. The Deputy Prime Minister could gather them personally amongst MEPs and turn an awkward candidacy into a show of generosity. For a congress to be a celebration, one must also make room for one’s rival

The rewriting of the Highway Code runs counter to the European Commission’s guidelines. It reduces fines for speeding and introduces patronising advice to pedestrians. Even within the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, there is “scepticism regarding the new measures”.

His candidacy came in the wake of those Chinese ‘drops’, Attilio Fontana’s outbursts, and the stammered soundbites which, for a party like the Lega (which has had just three secretaries in its entire history), are worth more than a split. Stefano Candiani is convinced that this race will do harm

The former Minister for Tourism will stand at the Carroccio’s extraordinary congress (representing the northerners). “It is clear that the vote must be by secret ballot,” he tells us