Romeo’s (non-)resignation

Romeo, the Lega’s group leader in the Senate, is under pressure to resign. The Lega Congress has concluded, and Salvini—along with several other party members—is expecting Romeo to step down as group leader. The senators’ signatures are ready, but Romeo is not relinquishing his post. He appeared in the Chamber of Deputies for the vote on the CSM and was in high spirits, bubbly as champagne. He explained to his fellow MPs: “Do they want to remove me? I’m not resigning. I’ve always respected the secretary’s line; I’ve managed the group with seriousness and discipline.” At the next federal meeting, Salvini intends to ask him explicitly to resign. In truth, he thought Romeo would resign the very next day. In a few days’ time, the provincial congresses will begin in Brescia, Bergamo and Varese, and the ‘Salvini Jugend’ – the young Lombard supporters loyal to Salvini – will try to outvote the secretaries close to Romeo. The good news? Garavaglia, Salvini now says, “deserves to stand for re-election”. The lesson from this Congress? Put more Garavaglias in your ranks.