It seems it’s time to grab some popcorn, settle on the couch, and watch the latest act unfold in the Matteo Salvini-Antonio Tajani show. The two vice premiers in Giorgia Meloni’s government are delivering daily doses of political drama, complete with sharp remarks and strategic sparring. The recent uproar began with Salvini’s proposal to cut the RAI license fee—a move promptly shot down by Tajani’s Forza Italia. Despite the apparent tensions, Salvini publicly downplays the discord with a cheeky: “No tension in the coalition—peace and love.”
Tajani, however, seems less amused by Salvini’s Woodstock-inspired olive branch. In an interview with Libero, he assured that there are no personal grievances with Salvini, nor are there cracks in the coalition. Yet, his call for more frequent meetings to avoid “small misunderstandings” hinted at underlying friction. Meanwhile, Forza Italia spokesperson Raffaele Nevi stirred the pot further, labeling Salvini a “paraculetto”—a sly opportunist. Though Nevi later apologized, the damage was done, sparking yet another round of passive-aggressive exchanges.
Salvini, ever the performer, shrugged off the insult with a nonchalant: “I never get offended.” But with tensions simmering and exchanges growing increasingly pointed, the Italian political stage feels more like a soap opera than a government in harmony. Stay tuned for the next episode of “Watch Out for Those Two… Vice Premiers.”
