“Racists are those who want to empty Africa”, says Salvini

Matteo Salvini stated today that “common sense and having courage” are enough to control migratory flows from Africa to Italy.

"They said nothing could be done about immigration, but it was enough to use common sense and have courage," said the Italian government's vice-president during a rally he organized in Rome under the slogan "Italians first."

Matteo Salvini, Italian Interior Minister and leader of the far-right League party, criticized those who accuse members of its formation of being racist, considering that “the real racists were, are and will be those who think of emptying the African continent and treating it as a reserve”.

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The Italian Interior Minister also criticized the European Union (EU), saying that “someone betrayed the European dream” leaving politics in the hands of finance, stressing that his party will give back strength to citizens who want a “new Europe, based on respect and solidarity.”

Brussels rejected Italy's 2019 budget at the end of October, which projected a deficit of 2,4% of gross domestic product (GDP), far above expectations and outside European limits. In November, Brussels again rejected a budget plan after Rome guaranteed it would not change its forecast for state finances.

“Whoever sows poverty gathers protests”, warned the Italian leader, saying that the League wants to “rebuild the social fabric”.

“If the spokespeople of the strong powers are against us, it means that we are doing the right thing for 60 million Italians. We will never surrender,” declared Salvini.

In this sense, he appealed to all Italian voters to continue supporting his party and the government so that a State Budget for next year can be negotiated with Brussels that will allow the construction of “a better Italy”.

Thousands of people gathered in People's Square in Rome responding to Salvini's appeal and with posters with phrases such as “Italians first”, “An Italy for Italians” or “Italy is not a colony”.

ADVERTISING

🔴 Supreme Court • May 2026

Standing in line at the consulate doesn't erase your right to citizenship.

The Italian Supreme Court has confirmed that a consular blockade is legal grounds for legal action.

• Were you unable to schedule an appointment at the consulate?
• Is the process stalled or poorly managed?
• Maternal lineage?
• Incomplete documentation?

See if there is still a solution.

The gathering began with a minute of silence in memory of the six who died this morning after a riot at Lanterna Azzurra nightclub, in Corinaldo, in the province of Ancona.