The pact with the populist devil, the shift to the right, federalism and self-government have vanished from the agenda. Salvini has even renounced Bossi’s political influence. And now that it has abandoned the North, the Lega is just another Roman party

In Pontida, he announces a sham congress to be decided by a show of hands. Romeo and Fontana are now the only ones left to challenge him.

Activists cheer on the Lombardy secretary, while Lazio supporters respond by backing the secretary; a brawl breaks out. Brief speeches are delivered on stage. The day begins with a tribute to Bossi

Pontida kicks off with the young people, but it’s a sombre gathering. Salvini rejects the rebels’ demands and attacks the newspapers and bankers. Romeo: “The people will decide.” Toccalini, secretary of the Lega youth wing, steps down

A rally lasting no more than an hour is being organised. The travel expenses? The MPs are footing the bill. It will be a ‘Pontida’ rally centred on identity, with no foreigners present because the ‘punkofasci’ have, thankfully, chosen to stay at home. Nobody feels like speaking, not even Zaia, and even Giulia Bongiorno, the last to speak, is said to have suggested to the secretary that he should think about the future. The only thing uniting them is Bossi.

The Deputy Prime Minister is meeting Aleksej Vladimirovič Paramonov in Milan alongside Italian companies operating in Russia. His interview with the broadcaster’s correspondent in Italy will be broadcast tonight on Rossija 1.

The Deputy Prime Minister has pledged to “listen to the needs and difficulties of the 300 Italian companies that do business with Russia”. And on the subject of tourist visas, he says: “Any ban would be yet another punitive measure against citizens who have nothing to do with the war.”

The secretary’s decisive meeting with the northerners at his home fails to reach a conclusion. The Deputy Prime Minister wants to stay in power, whilst the regional governors are waiting for the voters to pull the plug. Fears of reprisals following the ‘pratone’ incident. And escape plans are being drawn up.

The leader of Futuro Nazionale issues military-style communiqués, purges dissidents and trains police officers. However, in the European Parliament, he has never risen above the role of a bit-part player.