Salvini Launches “Without Fear” Pontida Campaign Against Crusaders of Europe’s League

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A deaf thud: I shoot Charles Kirk. Then teh chaos: images from the Utah campus consumed by news of the sorceress activist’s murder spread quickly as panic set in. “Oh my God!” someone exclaimed nearby. The widow of Kirk issued a warning: “You have no idea what you have just unleashed.” This is the teaser for a League event this year in Pontida.

The event,according to sources,aims to use the tragic circumstances surrounding Kirk’s death for political and emotional connection. The slogan, echoing Crusaders, is “Without fear.” The video recalls the holy League’s victory at Lepanto in 1571 and the lombard League’s defeat of Barbarossa in 1167-historical moments demonstrating courage.

The video displays images of Umberto Bossi and Roberto Maroni as it continues, building toward a list of “enemies,” constructed in a narrative of victimhood, including former Prime Ministers Romano Prodi and Giuliano Amato, European commission President Ursula von der Leyen, those protesting autonomy, while accusing Europe of immigration and environmental policies along with it, and finally “radical Islam” and “The left blinded by hatred.”

The visuals pivot to Donald Trump and silvio Berlusconi, both shown injured, followed by oriana fallaci, and then Matteo Salvini sporting a shirt declared “bulldozer in action”. It ends with a crescendo, a heartbeat-like sequence of images of the day’s heart break, finishing with a picture of Kirk.

What past significance does the location of the Pontida rally hold for the Italian right-wing movement?

The Pontida Rally: A Historical Context for Italian right-Wing Politics

The annual Pontida rally, held in Lombardy, Italy, holds important weight in the history of the Italian right. Originally established in 1990 by Umberto Bossi, the founder of the Northern League (Lega Nord), it served as a foundational event for the separatist movement advocating for greater regional autonomy – and initially, even independence – for Northern Italy. The rally’s location, Pontida, is symbolically important, linked too the medieval Lombard League which fought for communal liberties against the Holy Roman Emperor.This historical resonance is deliberately invoked to bolster the League’s narrative of defending Italian identity and regional interests. Understanding this history is crucial when analyzing Matteo Salvini’s recent “Without Fear” campaign launch at the same venue.

“Without Fear”: Salvini’s New Campaign & Its Targets

On September 20, 2025, Matteo Salvini, leader of the League (now rebranded as Lega), officially launched his “Without Fear” ( Senza Paura) campaign at the Pontida rally. This campaign is explicitly framed as a direct response to the perceived threat posed by the “Crusaders of Europe’s League” – a term Salvini uses to describe what he views as pro-EU federalists and globalist forces attempting to undermine Italian sovereignty.

Key elements of the “Without Fear” campaign include:

* Anti-immigration Stance: Salvini reiterated his hardline position on immigration, promising stricter border controls and reduced asylum seeker intake. He frequently links immigration to crime and social unrest,a core tenet of his political messaging.

* EU Sovereignty Concerns: A central theme is the assertion of Italian sovereignty against what Salvini portrays as overreach by the European Union. He advocates for renegotiating EU treaties and regaining control over national policies. this resonates with voters concerned about the loss of national identity and decision-making power.

* Defense of “Italian Values”: The campaign emphasizes the preservation of customary Italian values, often framed in opposition to perceived cultural changes driven by globalization and immigration. This includes promoting family values and national pride.

* Economic Nationalism: Salvini champions policies aimed at protecting Italian businesses and workers, advocating for protectionist measures and reduced reliance on foreign imports. He frequently criticizes free trade agreements he believes harm Italian industries.

The “Crusaders of Europe’s League”: Who Are Thay?

Salvini’s characterization of “Crusaders of Europe’s League” is largely rhetorical, but it targets several identifiable groups:

* Pro-EU Politicians: Members of mainstream center-left and center-right parties who advocate for deeper European integration.

* European Commission Officials: Salvini frequently criticizes the European Commission for what he sees as bureaucratic overreach and interference in Italian affairs.

* NGOs Supporting Migrant Rights: Organizations providing assistance to migrants and advocating for more open immigration policies are often portrayed as agents of the “globalist agenda.”

* International Financial Institutions: Salvini has voiced skepticism towards institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Central bank (ECB), accusing them of imposing austerity measures that harm Italy.

Historical Parallels: bossi’s Lega Nord and Salvini’s Evolution

While Salvini has broadened the League’s appeal beyond its original regional base, the pontida rally serves as a reminder of the party’s roots. Umberto bossi’s Lega Nord initially focused on padanian identity – a constructed regional identity for Northern italy – and secessionist goals. Salvini, while abandoning the explicit call for independence, has successfully tapped into the same vein of discontent and anti-establishment sentiment.

However, key differences exist:

* Geographic Focus: bossi’s League was primarily focused on Northern italy. salvini has expanded the League’s reach nationwide, achieving significant electoral gains in traditionally “red” regions of the South.

* Ideological Shift: While both leaders share a nationalist outlook, Salvini has incorporated more socially conservative and populist elements into the League’s platform.

* EU Strategy: Bossi initially advocated for outright secession from Italy and the EU.Salvini now seeks to reform the EU from within, while still advocating for greater national sovereignty.

Potential Impact and Political Ramifications

The “Without Fear” campaign is widely seen as a key component of Salvini’s strategy to position himself as the leading voice of the Italian right and a potential future Prime Minister. The campaign’s success will depend on several factors:

* Economic Conditions: A worsening economic situation could fuel support for Salvini’s protectionist policies and anti-establishment rhetoric.

* Immigration Flows: Continued influxes of migrants could reinforce Salvini’s narrative about the threat to Italian identity and security.

* EU Policies: Perceived overreach by the EU could further galvanize support for salvini’s calls for greater national sovereignty.

* Opposition Strategies: The ability of opposition parties to effectively counter Salvini’s messaging and offer alternative solutions will be crucial.

The Pontida rally and the launch