Massimiliano Fedriga: “Let Southern politicians show maturity on autonomy”

ROME. The victory of the center-right in Lombardy and Lazio also launches the race for the Northern League’s Massimiliano Fedriga to be elected president of Friuli Venezia Giulia, in less than two months. He asks to “keep your feet planted on the ground”, because “each territory is a game in itself”. The only real concern would concern the wave of Brothers of Italy, which has become the first party in the North, which now risks conquering its region as well, but Fedriga minimizes: «They are the usual consensus curves. First you go up, then you go down. They are serious, reliable allies. And in any case, the League is always there, rooted».
In Lombardy, compared to five years ago, it has suffered a drop in votes, from 29.6 to 17 percent. Don’t you ring any alarm bells?
«On the other hand, I see a positive result, because in three months we have gone from a downward trend to a clear recovery. I think it is a very important result. Rarely have we seen a change of pace in such a short time».
However, you risk being cannibalized by the Brothers of Italy.
“They are consensus curves. Even Renzi’s Democratic Party had conquered the North. And now? Gone. This does not question the representativeness of the League in the North. The claims we make on differentiated Autonomy are proof of this. And then they are our allies, if they achieve a good result they strengthen the coalition ».
Are you ready for the eventuality of having to give him power?
«It is normal for a party that increases its votes to then ask for greater representation. I am calm, here we have always worked with a very compact coalition and I am proud of it. Everyone would like to have the problem of deciding who leads, Tizio or Caio, in a coalition with excellent chances of winning».
The opponents on the left, always divided, are giving you a hand.
«The centre-left’s problem is not getting together, but having a credible government programme. Even adding up, they would have failed to win in Lombardy and Lazio. And if they think differently on fundamental subjects…».
The oppositions united against the Autonomy. And in some regions of the South, including those of the centre-right, there are still strong doubts.
«We have lived through a long electoral period so far, which does not help dialogue. I hope a constructive confrontation can be reopened, otherwise we risk having a country that lives in a permanent electoral campaign. We have to mature as a political class».
Have you ever thought about it at the Lega secretariat?
“Never. Everyone has his role ».
Perhaps others have thought of it for her.
“Let’s hope”.
And do you think there is a need for a renewal?
«I think Salvini should stay. He led the League to 34%, then it dropped, but I also remember that he had taken it in hand when it was at 4%. After that, we have a healthy democratic push that comes from below: today the provincial congresses are held, later we will arrive at the federal congress. The internal discussion is right: I think it is useful for the whole movement, even for Salvini. This does not mean questioning it, as I have seen too many times done in an instrumental way ».
Have you read about Silvio Berlusconi’s acquittal?
“Yes, I’m happy for him. He has gone through many trials, especially in the media. After all the speculation and attacks on the Ruby trial, I’m just wondering if anyone will apologize to him.’
Forza Italia echoes the idea of ​​judicial persecution. Do you believe it?
“I don’t think there are persecuted people in Italy, but that Berlusconi has suffered disrespectful and instrumental treatment in the public debate, yes.”
The latest debate in Europe was ignited by Cav’s criticism of Zelensky. Is that instrumental too?
«The government’s position is clear: Italy is part of the alliance of western democracies, which we must safeguard. There is the danger of being fascinated by countries without democracy or freedom. We must clearly state which side Italy is on and Forza Italia, even with Foreign Minister Tajani, has done so”.