About: Northern league

Italian parties reach government deal, Eurosceptic to oversee Europe

Anti-establishment and nationalist parties in Italy reached a new coalition deal on Thursday (31 May) reviving their plans to take power, narrowly avoiding snap elections and setting in motion an anti-austerity government in the eurozone’s third largest economy. On Thursday...

How did EU-founding member Italy go Eurosceptic?

All eyes are on Italy as the far-right League and rebellious Five Star Movement close in on power, ringing alarm bells in Brussels as the country inches towards becoming the first EU founding member to have a euro-sceptic government.

Italy’s 5-Star, League talks progress, PM may be in sight

Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and the far-right League spent the weekend locked in talks to forge a common policy programme and called the head of state on Sunday (13 May) to report on their progress towards naming a prime minister.

Italy’s League and 5-Star make ‘significant steps’ towards government deal

The anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and far-right League have made "significant steps" towards forming a government, the two parties said Thursday (10 May) as Italy looked to end nine weeks of political deadlock.

Italy’s 5-Star seeks talks with PD, slams door on the League

Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement opened the door to coalition talks with the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) on Tuesday (24 April), saying the only other way to end a political deadlock would be a return to the polls.

Northern League gets staff to applaud at European Parliament presser

Italy’s far right took advantage of the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg to flex its muscles during a press conference last week. This was contrary to the regulations of the institution and was not generally appreciated. EURACTIV.fr reports

Italian election campaign plagued by fake news

Since the start of the election campaign in Italy, fake videos and pictures have circulated on social networks. EURACTIV.com looks into the main ones as part of the ‘Fact or Fake’ series, in partnership with France 24.

Tajani agrees to be Berlusconi’s PM choice ahead of Sunday’s vote

European Parliament President Antonio Tajani said yesterday (1 March) he would stand as candidate for prime minister for former premier Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia, or "Go Italy!" party, in the 4 March vote.

Northern Italy referendum: Regions seek greater autonomy

Two wealthy northern regions in Italy voted on Sunday (22 October) in favour of having increased independence from Rome, in a non-binding referendum that set the stage for negotiations on more autonomy with the central government.

Rejuvenated Berlusconi lays out vote platform, eyes victory in Italy

Former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, marking a formal return to Italy's political stage, laid out his policy priorities on Sunday (17 September) for the forthcoming election, portraying himself as a pro-European moderate.

Trans-Europe Express: Tanks against migrants

The rhetoric about sending troops to the Brenner Pass was especially reactionary. But Austrian Defence Minister Hans Peter Doskozil felt compelled to use it anyway.

Berlusconi dusts himself down in final bid for power

He is an 80-year-old convicted criminal whose last government ended with Italy on the brink of bankruptcy - and he may well be kingmaker at the next election within a year.

Italy’s central bank warns against euro exit as election nears

Italy's central bank warned today (31 May) that leaving the eurozone would not solve the country's economic problems, as two major parties campaign to drop the common currency before an election that may come as soon as this autumn.

Italian prosecutor investigating NGO rescuers says has no proof of wrongdoing

An Italian prosecutor who began an investigation into possible ties between humanitarian organisations that rescue migrants at sea and Libya-based people smugglers said on Wednesday (3 May) he had no proof of any wrongdoing.

Italy’s wealthy north to demand more power from Rome in referendums

Italy's wealthy northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto, controlled by the right-wing Northern League, will hold referendums in October to try to obtain greater autonomy from the central government, Lombardy's president said yesterday (20 April).

Populist earthquakes make 2017 the great unknown

Donald Trump and Brexit: 2016 was a year of populist earthquakes on both sides of the Atlantic, spelling huge uncertainty for upcoming European elections and the direction of US policy.

Renzi resigns, Italian president to consult with parties

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi resigned yesterday (7 December) after a bruising referendum loss at the weekend, with most parliamentary factions pushing for an early election in a few months' time.

Alfano: New Italian election likely in February

Italy could have an election as early as February, a minister in Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's outgoing government said on Tuesday (6 December), speaking after talking to Renzi.

Renzi resignation opens new era of uncertainty for Europe

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said he will resign after losing a key referendum on constitutional reform, plunging the country into political turmoil and the EU in further uncertainty.

Italy’s anti-establishment 5-Star flourishes in Rome, challenging Renzi

The anti-establishment 5-Star Movement looked set to take charge of Rome following municipal elections yesterday (5 June) that saw it make gains in other Italian cities and pile pressure on Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

Italians angered as statues covered to save Iranian blushes

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi came under fire on Tuesday (26 January) after ancient nude statues in Rome's Capitoline Museum were covered up to avoid any possible offence to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani who is visiting the country.

US to investigate Russian efforts to weaken EU

US intelligence agencies are to conduct a major investigation into how the Kremlin is trying to divide and weaken the EU, The Telegraph reported.

Renzi stumbles in local elections

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi suffered a setback in local elections on Sunday (31 May), with a weaker-than-expected showing by his centre-left bloc and a marked rise in support for the right-wing Northern League and the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement.

400 immigrants drown off of Libya, say survivors

Up to 400 illegal migrants died after their vessel capsized off the Libyan coast on Sunday (12 April), said survivors who were brought to Italy, where tension is mounting over a surge in boat arrivals from North Africa.