Salvini Defends Lega Ties, Praises Trump, and Slams Worker Protests
Matteo Salvini, Italy’s Infrastructure Minister and key figure in the right-wing Lega party, engaged in a wide-ranging interview on Sunday, addressing everything from relations with allies to upcoming U.S. politics and domestic labor disputes.
Dismissing rumors of friction with Veneto Governor Luca Zaia, Salvini extolled Zaia as "a great asset for Veneto, Italy, and the Lega" and suggested potential opportunities awaited Zaia even if he couldn’t seek another term. Salvini dismissed reports about tension over a third term for Zaia as "inventions" arising from various news sources. "That’s life in a free country," he quipped.
Turning to recent disagreements with Forza Italia over the RAI broadcasting fee, Salvini shrugged off the political differences. "I stopped being sensitive about these things back in elementary school," he said with a playful tone. "I wouldn’t be in this line of work if I had thin skin.”
He pointed to prior clashes with Forza Italia Vice President Antonio Tajani regarding foreign policy, particularly Salvini’s steadfast support for Israel. While acknowledging Tajani’s right to express opinions on economic matters, Salvini emphasized his own right to respond, particularly when directly asked. "
"I simply reiterated a long-held belief – Israel’s right to exist and defend itself," he explained, referring to a recent debate about Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “To me, equating Netanyahu with Hamas terrorists seems illogical." The Lega’s amendment to the budget bill altering the RAI fee ultimately failed to pass due to Forza Italia’s opposition, but Salvini seemed unfazed, calling it "a small setback" in a "stable government."
Salvini also took aim at last Friday’s nationwide strike called by the powerful CGIL union led by Maurizio Landini. Describing Landini’s actions as politically motivated, he pointed out that the strike was announced before the budget details were even released, including unfounded claims about healthcare cuts.
"There are 136 billion euros allocated to national healthcare, a historic high," Salvini emphasized, accusing Landini of "making politics." Salvini defended the right of Italians to work undisturbed and reiterated his commitment to the electorate’s interests.
Looking ahead to the future, Salvini expressed enthusiasm about Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January.
"Yes, I would love to be present at his inauguration,” he stated, confirming prior contacts with the former President. “I’m personally thrilled about his victory." Salvini has publicly supported Trump throughout his career and welcomed him back to the political stage.
2024-12-01 08:41:00
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