Italian Coalition Faces Rift Over EU Trade Preferences
Rome, Italy – May 8, 2025
Italy’s right-wing coalition government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is grappling with internal tensions over proposed EU trade preferences, highlighting the fragile balance within the alliance. Matteo Salvini, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the League party, has publicly opposed Meloni’s tentative support for the preferences, stating, “No, if they damage us,” in a clear signal of dissent. The disagreement, reported by Italian media outlets, underscores the divergent priorities between Meloni’s Brothers of Italy and Salvini’s League as they navigate Italy’s role in the European Union.
The trade preferences, part of ongoing EU negotiations, aim to streamline economic partnerships with non-EU countries, potentially impacting Italian industries such as agriculture and manufacturing. Meloni, seeking to maintain Italy’s influence in Brussels while projecting a pragmatic image, has expressed cautious openness to the proposals, provided they align with national interests. Her approach reflects her broader strategy of balancing euroskeptic rhetoric with cooperation on key EU issues, a stance that has bolstered her international credibility since taking office in 2022.
Salvini, however, has taken a harder line, prioritizing domestic industries and his party’s populist base. His warning that the preferences must not “damage” Italy’s economy resonates with farmers and small businesses wary of increased competition. This position aligns with his recent efforts to revive his political fortunes by appealing to euroskeptic voters, a tactic that has occasionally put him at odds with Meloni’s more diplomatic posture. The League’s polling numbers, hovering around 9% compared to Brothers of Italy’s near 30%, add pressure on Salvini to differentiate himself, even at the risk of coalition stability.
The public spat follows a history of underlying tensions. Leaked WhatsApp messages from 2022, revealed in early 2025, showed Meloni’s party members mocking Salvini as “ridiculous” and “incapable” before their coalition formed. While Meloni dismissed the leaks as a “forced controversy” and emphasized unity, analysts suggest such incidents expose fault lines that could widen over divisive issues like EU policy. Salvini’s recent alignment with U.S. figures like Vice President JD Vance, coupled with his skepticism of EU defense plans, further complicates Meloni’s efforts to maintain a cohesive government while engaging with European partners.
Political observers warn that the disagreement could destabilize the coalition if unresolved. “Salvini is playing a dangerous game, pushing a populist agenda that could undermine Meloni’s broader strategy,” said Mattia Diletti, a politics professor at Sapienza University. Meanwhile, Meloni faces the challenge of addressing domestic concerns without alienating EU allies, a delicate balance as Italy hosts upcoming G7 discussions.
As the EU trade talks progress, all eyes are on whether Meloni and Salvini can reconcile their differences or if this rift will deepen, testing the resilience of Italy’s right-wing government.