The decision of the day. Matteo Salvini, leader of Italy’s right-wing Lega party and current deputy prime minister and minister of Transport, was acquitted today by the Palermo court on charges of kidnapping and abuse of office.
- The case stemmed from his refusal, in August 2019, to allow 147 migrants rescued by the Spanish NGO Open Arms to disembark in Lampedusa during his tenure as Interior minister.
- After a three-year heavily publicised trial with 24 hearings and 45 witnesses, prosecutors sought a six-year prison sentence, but the court ruled that “the act does not constitute a crime.”
- Salvini has consistently framed his actions to defend Italy’s borders and sovereignty.
- “I’m happy: after three years, the Lega won, and Italy won. Defending the homeland is not a crime but a right. I will move forward with even greater determination,” Salvini said after the ruling.
A recap of the case. The events date back to August 2019, when Italy was governed by a fragile coalition between Salvini’s Lega and the populist Five Star Movement (M5S).
- During this time, Salvini implemented a hardline approach to immigration as minister of the Interior, coordinating with Defence and Transport ministers from the M5S to block migrant landings.
- After rescuing over 100 migrants in Libya’s search-and-rescue zone, Open Arms faced staunch opposition from Salvini, who denied them a safe port.
- This set off a legal and humanitarian standoff, with courts eventually ordering the disembarkation of minors and those in urgent medical need.
- The prolonged impasse led to the opening of a criminal investigation into Salvini’s role.
What comes next? Salvini’s acquittal reinvigorates his political career and lends credence to his narrative of being a staunch defender of Italy’s borders.
- The decision gives him a legal endorsement of the controversial “Security Decrees” he championed in the 2019 government.
- This outcome boosts his standing within Italy’s right-wing coalition, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has primarily taken ownership of the migration issue since assuming office.
- Salvini’s renewed vigour may lead him to push to revive his hardline policies, creating potential friction within the coalition.
Additionally… Salvini, who has led the Lega since 2013, now emerges even stronger within his party as it prepares for a congress next year.
- This comes at a time when the Lega has been struggling in the polls, and a faction nostalgic for the party’s Northern-centric roots has begun to resurface.
- The acquittal not only solidifies Salvini’s leadership but also provides him with an opportunity to counter these internal challenges and rally his base around his populist agenda.
Internationally… Salvini’s stance has received backing from far-right leaders such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and European populist allies.
- Even figures like Elon Musk, a U.S. President-elect Donald Trump ally, have expressed support, aligning with Salvini’s harsh rhetoric on immigration.
