This past weekend, Matteo Salvini found himself under fire from rock icon Vasco Rossi, who sharply criticized the new road code introduced by the Minister of Transport. Rossi, known for his candid views, took aim at provisions that allow for immediate arrest and a three-year license suspension for drivers who test positive for cannabis, even if the use occurred days prior. “This is what Minister Salvini has decided for your benefit,” Rossi quipped, questioning the rationale behind such stringent measures.
In response, Salvini expressed admiration for Rossi’s music but firmly defended the new legislation. He argued that all drugs are harmful and emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of driving under the influence. “It’s no laughing matter when discussing alcohol and drugs,” he stated, urging Rossi to consider the families of victims involved in drug-related accidents. He insisted that the road code’s primary aim is to save lives, rejecting the notion that it targets responsible users.
Amid the public dispute with Rossi, Salvini faced another challenge: the successful election of Massimiliano Romeo as the new leader of the Lombard League, marking the first congress in eight years. Romeo, while acknowledging Salvini’s leadership, stressed the need for a shift in strategy, urging the party to focus on local issues rather than adhering strictly to a rightward tilt. He highlighted the importance of addressing the concerns of party members in the North, suggesting that the League must reclaim its historical political space and engage more effectively with constituents.
