Garavaglia challenges Salvini: the former minister collects signatures for candidacy

Former Tourism Minister Massimo Garavaglia has officially announced his candidacy for the leadership of the Lega, having collected the necessary delegate signatures. The challenge will take place through a secret ballot during the party's upcoming congress.

Garavaglia, described as a "Bocconi graduate" and former minister, has launched a sort of "takeover bid" for the party, proposing an image of the Lega that is not "far-right." His candidacy comes after Matteo Salvini's resignation as secretary, a necessary step to allow him to run again.

The race for the League's leadership began after Matteo Salvini resigned as national secretary on October 12, 2026. This formal step was necessary to allow Salvini to run again in the congress, during which he also announced a change to the party's symbol.

Massimo Garavaglia, former Tourism Minister in the Draghi government and a figure considered more moderate and technical, has decided to challenge Salvini. His candidacy is based on a platform aimed at steering the League back toward more centrist positions and "liberal economic" policies, distancing it from its far-right image. The chosen voting method, a secret ballot, could foster a more open competition by limiting voting pressures. This congress represents a crucial moment for the party's future identity and strategy.