League
A clear guide to League (Lega) in Italy: its history, right-wing populism ideology, leadership, and where it stands on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.
Overview
- Country
- Italy
- Founded
- 1991 (Lega Nord); 2017 (Lega per Salvini Premier)
- Position
- Right-wing
- Leader
- Matteo Salvini
- Headquarters
- Milan
The League (Lega), formally Lega per Salvini Premier, is a right-wing populist party led by Matteo Salvini. It is part of Giorgia Meloni's coalition, in which Salvini is deputy prime minister and minister of infrastructure and transport. Its core issues are immigration control, security, tax cuts and greater autonomy for the regions.
History
The party's roots lie in Lega Nord, founded in 1991 by Umberto Bossi as a federation of northern regionalist movements that called for autonomy and at times independence for "Padania". Salvini became leader in 2013 and turned it into a national party, dropping "Nord" and campaigning across the south.
It peaked at 34 percent in the 2019 European election while in government with the M5S, but lost ground to Brothers of Italy. In February 2026 its deputy secretary Roberto Vannacci left to launch his own party, National Future.
Economic Policy
The League favours a flat tax, lower taxes for businesses and the self-employed, earlier retirement options and large infrastructure projects such as the bridge over the Strait of Messina. It pushed through a law on differentiated regional autonomy.
Foreign Policy
The League is Eurosceptic and sits with Patriots for Europe in the European Parliament. It has been more critical than its coalition partners of sanctions on Russia and of military aid to Ukraine.
Where They Stand
- Seeks strict limits on immigration and tougher policing
- Favours a flat tax and lower taxes for the self-employed
- Supports greater autonomy for the regions
- Backs the Strait of Messina bridge and other large infrastructure
- Is sceptical of the EU and of sanctions on Russia
Electoral Record
The League won 17.4 percent in 2018, 8.8 percent in 2022 and 9 percent in the 2024 European election. It remains strong in Lombardy and Veneto, which it governs.
Position on the Political Compass
League sits on the right-leaning side on economics and is more authoritarian on questions of social freedom and authority.
These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.
Key Figures
Umberto Bossi
Founder
Founded Lega Nord and led it from 1991 to 2012 as a northern autonomist movement.
Matteo Salvini
Party leader since 2013
Turned the League into a national party and serves as deputy prime minister.
Luca Zaia
President of Veneto, 2010 to 2025
A popular regional leader associated with the party's autonomist wing.
Sources and Further Reading
- Lega (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitelegaonline.it
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Italy political test to see how your views compare with League and the other parties.
Take the Italy Test
Social Policy
The party is socially conservative and takes a hard line on immigration and crime. Salvini, as interior minister in 2018 and 2019, closed Italian ports to migrant rescue ships.