Matteo Salvini chooses the end of his speech in Pontida for change the ground of confrontation in the LeagueAfter months of tensions, criticism of the party's management and requests for relaunch from the territories, the secretary announces a extraordinary congress in OctoberA decision that surprises even the closest leaders and forces the dissident front to reconsider their moves. "I'm returning to the congress to ask if I have the trust of my family, and I'll ask for it by a show of hands," he proclaimed from the stage. The message combines a request for new legitimacy with a warning to those who publicly challenge the Northern League's line. Salvini wants to discuss, but he expects the discussion to lead to a shared direction.I don't want divisionsI want unity, I want serenity, I want determination, I want clear ideas, I want compactness."
The announcement allows the leader to regain the initiative and set the timetable for the internal debate. However, the modalities remain to be defined. The Federal Council, convened for Monday, September 21st at 3:00 PM, at the Milan headquarters on Via Bellerio, will have to address the proposal and clarify the nature of the meeting, starting with the choice between an elective or programmatic congress.
Pontida 2026: Northerners demand a change of direction
Surprise does not erase the reasons for dissent. Maximilian Romeo, leader of the Senate group and secretary of the Lombard League, acknowledges that the announcement was unexpected, but sees the congress as a space to advance grassroots demands. He also considers it a "symptom that there is a need for relaunch the party and regain the trust of voters." At the centre of the debate is theidentity of the League and the relationship between its national dimension and its northern roots. Romeo supports a federal organization structured between North, Center, and South. The governors are calling for territories, autonomy, and federalism to once again play a role in political decisions.
The clearest attack comes from the Lombard president Attilio Fontana, who defends his criticisms and claims the right to intervene when the region's interests are at stake. "When I hear centralist talk, I don't keep quiet. I was born a federalist and I want federalism."
Luca Zaia He brings the Northern Question back to the stage and garners applause by recalling the movement's original rationale. "We are for autonomy; the League exists for autonomy and federalism," recalls the former Veneto governor, describing a party that is "neither right nor left."
Pontida 2026: Divisions Become Visible on the Lawn
In Pontida the debate also reaches the audienceDuring Romeo's speech, the chants of "Matteo Matteo" from the secretary's supporters are answered by those chanting the name of the Lombard leader. For a few seconds, insults erupt between activists, while some of Fontana's passages are accompanied by boos.
Salvini's welcome, greeted with five minutes of applause, nonetheless confirms the strength of his relationship with a significant segment of the grassroots. And another factor weighs on the possible elective congress. According to dissidents, the secretary can count on alarge number of delegates close to him, a condition that would make it difficult for a potential challenger to run.
For now, no alternative candidate has emerged. Romeo is postponing any evaluation until the rules are finalized, while the group leader in the Chamber of Deputies, Riccardo Molinari, predicts that "this time too, it will be a unified congress." Giancarlo Giorgetti is calling for unity within the party. "The enemies are not within the League, but outside, and they can't be seen," he states.
In the first gathering since the death of Umberto Bossi, the tribute to the founder unites the movement's diverse souls. Remembering the Senator, however, is not enough to overcome divisions and unravel political knots.
Pontida 2026: Security, Pensions, and Taxes Heading to Elections
Salvini adds to the request for unity the priorities with which he intends to accompany the League to upcoming electoral appointmentsOn security, he calls for an immediate increase to 10 soldiers deployed on the streets and an extension of self-defense.
On the economic front, he relaunches the overturning of the Fornero law with quota 64, the reduction of taxes on young people's salaries, and the expansion of the flat tax for self-employed workers and self-employed workers. To finance these measures, he proposes requesting a billion-dollar contribution from Italian banks. The congress should set the political line and end the season of public protests. "Then the first displaced voice will have to explain why he continues to give gifts to the left," warns the secretary.
This is where Pontida's challenge lies. Salvini aims to curb the push for change and secure a new mandate, while critical leaders are calling for a shift in the party's line. In October, it will be clear which of the two ambitions prevails.
