Matteo Salvini: Viktor Orban's Example Is Empowering

“Lega is not just a party, but a community,” Matteo Salvini emphasized in Florence. At the party's leadership congress, Salvini delivered a passionate speech on Sunday, defending political perseverance, national sovereignty, and common sense. He also highlighted Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban as an emblematic symbol of consistency in persistent struggle.

Matteo Salvini (Source: Facebook/Matteo Salvini)

Sharp Criticism of Brussels

One of the strongest parts of Salvini’s speech was his critique of the EU’s political and economic operation. In his view, the Brussels elite aims not to strengthen communities but to dismantle them through overregulation and the dogmatic enforcement of green policies. He considers these practically an intentional move toward destroying the identity of farmers, fishers and artisan producers

A Europe that pays farmers not to farm, and pays fishermen not to fish,

 he said mockingly—arguing that the EU’s funding system often runs counter to sound economic logic. He called for immediate action instead, such as scrapping the Green Deal, restrictive rues and the Stability Pact, saying they hinder real economic growth and destroy productive classes. He also praised Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who sent a message of support to the congress.

Autonomy and the direct election of the prime minister go hand in hand,

he said, promoting a federal Italy with stronger regions and a more efficient state structure.

On the Global Stage: Peace and Pragmatism
Referencing Donald Trump’s re-election, Salvini stated: “Italy shouldn’t be pro-Trump or anti-Trump—it should negotiate based on its national interests, cooperate and avoid confrontation.”

He rejected trade wars, saying they primarily hurt Italian businesses.

Il mio dovere è ascoltare quello che il mio partito e gli elettori mi chiedono. Matteo Piantedosi è un amico e un grande uomo di Stato: di ciò che mi avete chiesto ne parlerò con lui e con Giorgia Meloni.#CongressoLega2025#CoraggiodellaLibertà pic.twitter.com/sdMLQMxNoj

— Matteo Salvini (@matteosalvinimi) April 6, 2025

Matteo Salvini: Peace Over War

The party leader unequivocally expressed his stance on the military conflicts: 

he rejects any military intervention and stands firmly for peace.

He recalled the bombing of Serbian territories under Italy’s left-wing government and the ongoing consequences of the Libyan intervention.

Whoever chooses Lega chooses peace,

he repeated multiple times. He emphasized that Lega’s renewal is not just a matter of a shift in political program, but also a personal and organizational challenge. He called on local branches to welcome new members, be they young people or experienced professionals.

We must open our doors to those who are even more capable than we are,

he said—framing this openness as a strength, not a surrender. He encouraged young people to get engaged in politics and not shy away from the responsibility.

Defending Identity, Family, and Freedom

In his closing remarks, Salvini returned to Lega’s core values: Family, children, schools, religion, mothers and fathers, and respect for teachers.

He praised Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara, saying he had restored the honor of the teaching profession.

Salvini criticized the culture of political correctness, stating:

Anyone who discriminates against someone because of their lifestyle is pathetic.

But he added that children’s rights and the concept of the natural family must be defended against political ideologies. Salvini concluded by thanking all Lega members for standing strong during difficult times and said that if he receives the delegates’ confidence, he will continue serving the movement.

Whoever chooses Lega chooses freedom, peace, work, family, and the future. And we are not alone—Orban, Meloni, Trump, and all supporters of common sense are with us.

Cover photo: Matteo Salvini (Source: Facebook/Matteo Salvini)