--- type: politician_profile lang: en canonical: https://www.politicaelectoral.com/en/italy/politicians/matteo-salvini name: Matteo Salvini partido: lega updated_at: 2026-05-03T12:50:06 data_crc: b6766b4e --- Matteo Salvini is an Italian politician from **Lega**, serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport. A leading figure of Italy’s right, he has shaped the party for more than a decade. ## Political career Matteo Salvini was born in **1973** in Milan and grew up in the city’s northern political and cultural environment. He attended the **University of Milan**, but did not complete his degree, instead entering politics at a young age. His early political formation took place in the **Lombard League** and then the wider **Northern League** tradition, which later became **Lega Nord** and subsequently **Lega**. He joined the youth and local structures of the party in the 1990s and built his profile through **municipal politics** and grassroots activism in Milan. In **1993**, he was elected to the Milan City Council, where he remained for many years and became known for an energetic, combative style. During this phase he developed an interest in urban issues, transport, taxation, local autonomy and opposition to central government, themes that would remain important throughout his career. At national and European level, Salvini also accumulated institutional experience. He was elected to the **European Parliament** for the first time in **2004**, representing the party while maintaining a strong presence in domestic politics. He returned to the European Parliament in later terms, serving as an MEP during different periods, which helped him build visibility on migration, sovereignty and EU governance. A decisive turning point came in **2013**, when Salvini became **federal leader of the Lega**. Under his leadership, the party shifted from a predominantly northern autonomist force to a broader national right-wing movement with a stronger anti-immigration, anti-establishment and Eurosceptic identity. He rebranded the party, expanded its electoral reach beyond its historic northern base and turned it into one of the central actors in Italian politics. In **2018**, following the general election, Salvini entered government as **Minister of the Interior** in the first Conte administration, while his party governed in coalition with the Five Star Movement. In that role he became one of the most visible and controversial ministers in Italy, especially on migration and public security. His ministry was marked by hardline policies on sea rescues, port access and cooperation with NGOs operating in the Mediterranean. After the collapse of that government in **2019**, Salvini returned to opposition leadership and later played a central role in reshaping the centre-right. Following the 2022 general election, he became **Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport** in the government led by Giorgia Meloni, a post he has held since **2022**. ## Relationship with the public Salvini has a highly polarised relationship with the electorate and with public opinion. He has built his reputation on direct communication, frequent media appearances and intensive use of social media, where he speaks in an informal, highly personalised style. This has allowed him to connect with voters who feel distant from institutional politics, particularly on themes such as security, immigration, taxation and local services. He is often effective at framing political debate in simple, emotionally charged terms, which has made him popular among sections of the right and among voters seeking a forceful, visible leader. At the same time, the same style has drawn criticism from civil society groups, many journalists and opponents, who regard him as divisive and confrontational. His relationship with the media has been central to his political identity. Salvini understands the value of constant exposure and often seeks direct confrontation, which keeps him at the centre of the news cycle. This has made him one of the most recognisable Italian politicians of his generation. However, it has also exposed him to stronger scrutiny and to accusations of spectacle-driven politics. ## Positions and political profile Salvini is generally identified with a **national-conservative**, **sovereigntist** and **hardline security-focused** profile. His political message has prioritised **immigration control**, public order, lower taxes, institutional autonomy for regions, scepticism towards bureaucratic constraints and a critical stance on some aspects of European integration. On immigration, he has consistently supported stricter border controls, faster removals and more restrictive rules on asylum and sea rescue operations. On taxation, he has backed the Lega’s traditional commitment to lower taxes and a more favourable environment for businesses and self-employed workers. On territorial politics, he has preserved elements of the Lega’s historical interest in regional autonomy, while also transforming the party into a national force able to compete throughout Italy. Inside the Lega, Salvini is both dominant and contested. He has remained the party’s federal leader since 2013, showing a strong capacity to control its agenda and candidate selection. At the same time, his leadership has had to balance different internal traditions: the older northern autonomist wing, the more nationalist and conservative current he strengthened, and pragmatic local administrators concerned with governing credibility. Outside the party, Salvini is perceived as one of the key architects of Italy’s populist right. Supporters often see him as a politician who speaks plainly and defends ordinary Italians against elites, while critics view him as an opportunistic and polarising figure who thrives on conflict. His 2018–2019 tenure at the Interior Ministry was a defining moment, especially for the “closed ports” approach and the broader political debate over migration, sovereignty and humanitarian obligations. Another defining feature of Salvini’s career is his capacity for adaptation. He has moved from a regionalist Lega to a more national and post-ideological right-wing platform, then into government coalition politics, and later into alliance management within the broader centre-right. This flexibility has helped keep him relevant even after electoral setbacks. ## Frequently asked questions **Who is Matteo Salvini?** Matteo Salvini is an Italian politician and the federal leader of **Lega**. He is currently Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport in the Italian government. **What party does Matteo Salvini belong to?** He belongs to **Lega**, formerly known as Lega Nord. Under his leadership, the party evolved from a mainly northern autonomist movement into a broader national right-wing party. **What positions has Matteo Salvini held?** He has served as **Minister of the Interior** from 2018 to 2019 under Giuseppe Conte, and since 2022 he has been **Deputy Prime Minister** and **Minister of Infrastructure and Transport**. He has led the Lega since 2013. **What are Matteo Salvini’s main political views?** His politics are marked by **strict immigration control**, public security, tax reduction, scepticism towards parts of the EU framework, and support for regional autonomy within a strong national right-wing agenda. **Why is Matteo Salvini controversial?** He is controversial because of his hardline positions on immigration and security, his confrontational rhetoric, and his highly polarised public image. Admirers see him as direct and effective; critics see him as divisive. **Is Matteo Salvini still the leader of the Lega?** Yes. He has been the federal leader of the Lega since **2013** and remains the party’s central political figure.