Changes

===2018 elections===

===2018 elections===

The party was renamed "The League" for the 2018 general election, and it made massive gains, quadrupling its vote share. While it strongly opposes immigration, it elected the first black senator in Italian history, contrary to left-wing caricatures of it.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (March 7, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/03/07/italian-populists-elect-first-black-senator-county-history/ Right-Wing Italian Populist Is First Black Senator in Country’s History]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 7, 2018.</ref><ref>Osborne, Samuel (March 7, 2018). [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/italy-elections-black-senator-elect-lega-nord-anti-immigration-party-toni-iwobi-brescia-lombardy-a8243736.html Italy elects first black senator in history, for anti-immigration Lega party]. ''The Independent''. Retrieved March 7, 2018.</ref> Lega performed so well that it became the dominant party in its coalition, overtaking [[Silvio Berlusconi]]'s establishment Forza Italia,<ref name="Success">Multiple references:

The party was renamed "The League" for the 2018 general election, and it made massive gains, quadrupling its vote share. While it strongly opposes immigration, it elected the first black senator in Italian history, contrary to left-wing caricatures of it.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (March 7, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/03/07/italian-populists-elect-first-black-senator-county-history/ Right-Wing Italian Populist Is First Black Senator in Country’s History]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 7, 2018.</ref><ref>Osborne, Samuel (March 7, 2018). [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/italy-elections-black-senator-elect-lega-nord-anti-immigration-party-toni-iwobi-brescia-lombardy-a8243736.html Italy elects first black senator in history, for anti-immigration Lega party]. ''The Independent''. Retrieved March 7, 2018.</ref> Lega performed so well that it became the dominant party in its coalition, overtaking [[Silvio Berlusconi]]'s establishment Forza Italia,<ref name="Success">Multiple references:

*Schumacher, Elizabeth (March 5, 2018). [http://p.dw.com/p/2ti8M Matteo Salvini: Italy's far-right success story]. ''Deutsche Welle''. Retrieved March 23, 2018.

*Schumacher, Elizabeth (March 5, 2018). [http://p.dw.com/p/2ti8M Matteo Salvini: Italy's far-right success story]. ''Deutsche Welle''. Retrieved March 23, 2018.

*Kirchgaessner, Stephanie (March 5, 2018). [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/05/matteo-salvini-the-italian-far-right-leader-stepping-out-of-berlusconis-shadow Matteo Salvini: far-right leader steps out of Berlusconi's shadow]. ''The Guardian''. Retrieved March 23, 2018.

*Kirchgaessner, Stephanie (March 5, 2018). [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/05/matteo-salvini-the-italian-far-right-leader-stepping-out-of-berlusconis-shadow Matteo Salvini: far-right leader steps out of Berlusconi's shadow]. ''The Guardian''. Retrieved March 23, 2018.

In April 2018, during government coalition negotiations, the Northern League performed very well in an election in the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia,<ref>Multiple references:

In April 2018, during government coalition negotiations, the Northern League performed very well in an election in the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia,<ref>Multiple references:

*[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-politics-region/italys-league-set-for-big-regional-victory-bolsters-national-standing-idUSKBN1I10N8 Italy's League set for big regional victory, bolsters national standing]. ''Reuters''. April 30, 2018. Retrieved April 30, 2018.

*[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-politics-region/italys-league-set-for-big-regional-victory-bolsters-national-standing-idUSKBN1I10N8 Italy's League set for big regional victory, bolsters national standing]. ''Reuters''. April 30, 2018. Retrieved April 30, 2018.

*[http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/05/01/right-wing-populist-league-party-wins-big-in-italian-regional-vote/ Right Wing Populist League Party Wins Big in Italian Regional Vote]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 1, 2018.</ref> and it performed very well in local elections in June, after the creation of a coalition government.<ref>Multiple references:

*[https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/05/01/right-wing-populist-league-party-wins-big-in-italian-regional-vote/ Right Wing Populist League Party Wins Big in Italian Regional Vote]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 1, 2018.</ref> and it performed very well in local elections in June, after the creation of a coalition government.<ref>Multiple references:

*[https://www.thelocal.it/20180611/italy-local-elections-league-five-star-movement Italy local elections: League surges while Five Star Movement struggles]. ''The Local''. June 11, 2018. Retrieved June 11, 2018.

*[https://www.thelocal.it/20180611/italy-local-elections-league-five-star-movement Italy local elections: League surges while Five Star Movement struggles]. ''The Local''. June 11, 2018. Retrieved June 11, 2018.

*Williams, Thomas D. (June 11, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/11/italys-populist-league-dominates-municipal-elections-sunday/ Italy’s Populist League Dominates Municipal Elections Sunday]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 11, 2018.</ref> An Italian poll in June 2018 found that Lega Nord had become the most popular party in Italy for the first time.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (June 20, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/20/new-poll-shows-populist-la-lega-most-popular-party-italy/ New Poll Shows Populist La Lega Most Popular Party In Italy For the First Time]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 20, 2018.<br>See also:

*Williams, Thomas D. (June 11, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/11/italys-populist-league-dominates-municipal-elections-sunday/ Italy’s Populist League Dominates Municipal Elections Sunday]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 11, 2018.</ref> An Italian poll in June 2018 found that Lega Nord had become the most popular party in Italy for the first time.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (June 20, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/20/new-poll-shows-populist-la-lega-most-popular-party-italy/ New Poll Shows Populist La Lega Most Popular Party In Italy For the First Time]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 20, 2018.<br>See also:

*Williams, Thomas D. (June 27, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/27/italys-populist-league-party-secures-first-place-national-poll/ Italy’s Populist ‘League’ Party Secures First Place in National Poll]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 27, 2018.

*Williams, Thomas D. (June 27, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/27/italys-populist-league-party-secures-first-place-national-poll/ Italy’s Populist ‘League’ Party Secures First Place in National Poll]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 27, 2018.

*Williams, Thomas D. (July 4, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/07/04/poll-populist-salvini-the-most-trusted-politician-in-italy/ Poll: Populist Salvini the Most Trusted Politician in Italy]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 4, 2018.</ref> In the local elections held later that year, the League and its right-of-center alliance performed very well, even taking control of several cities under left-wing control for decades.<ref>Multiple references:

*Williams, Thomas D. (July 4, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/07/04/poll-populist-salvini-the-most-trusted-politician-in-italy/ Poll: Populist Salvini the Most Trusted Politician in Italy]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 4, 2018.</ref> In the local elections held later that year, the League and its right-of-center alliance performed very well, even taking control of several cities under left-wing control for decades.<ref>Multiple references:

*Politi, James (June 25, 2018). [https://www.ft.com/content/e8c3476a-7844-11e8-bc55-50daf11b720d Salvini’s League storms to victory in Italy’s municipal elections]. ''Financial Times''. Retrieved June 25, 2018.

*Politi, James (June 25, 2018). [https://www.ft.com/content/e8c3476a-7844-11e8-bc55-50daf11b720d Salvini’s League storms to victory in Italy’s municipal elections]. ''Financial Times''. Retrieved June 25, 2018.

*[https://www.thelocal.it/20180625/centre-right-coalition-takes-fortresses-of-the-left-in-regional-elections Centre right coalition takes 'fortresses' of the left in regional elections]. ''The Local''. Retrieved June 25, 2018.

*[https://www.thelocal.it/20180625/centre-right-coalition-takes-fortresses-of-the-left-in-regional-elections Centre right coalition takes 'fortresses' of the left in regional elections]. ''The Local''. Retrieved June 25, 2018.

See also:

See also:

*Williams, Thomas D. (June 11, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/11/italys-populist-league-dominates-municipal-elections-sunday/ Italy’s Populist League Dominates Municipal Elections Sunday]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 25, 2018.

*Williams, Thomas D. (June 11, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/11/italys-populist-league-dominates-municipal-elections-sunday/ Italy’s Populist League Dominates Municipal Elections Sunday]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 25, 2018.

*Jones, Gavin (June 11, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-politics-vote/italy-local-polls-see-gains-for-far-right-league-setbacks-for-5-star-center-left-idUSKBN1J71DV Italy local polls see gains for far-right League, setbacks for 5-Star, center-left]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved June 25, 2018.

*Jones, Gavin (June 11, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-politics-vote/italy-local-polls-see-gains-for-far-right-league-setbacks-for-5-star-center-left-idUSKBN1J71DV Italy local polls see gains for far-right League, setbacks for 5-Star, center-left]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved June 25, 2018.

*[https://www.thelocal.it/20180611/italy-local-elections-league-five-star-movement Italy local elections: League surges while Five Star Movement struggles]. ''The Local''. Retrieved June 25, 2018.</ref>

*[https://www.thelocal.it/20180611/italy-local-elections-league-five-star-movement Italy local elections: League surges while Five Star Movement struggles]. ''The Local''. Retrieved June 25, 2018.</ref>

In May 2018, the League and the fellow anti-establishment [[Five Star Movement]] agreed to a common platform, one that promoted strongly nationalist and anti-establishment policies.<ref>Multiple references:

In May 2018, the League and the fellow anti-establishment [[Five Star Movement]] agreed to a common platform, one that promoted strongly nationalist and anti-establishment policies.<ref>Multiple references:

*Shaw, Adam (May 19, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/05/19/italy-on-cusp-populist-coalition-after-parties-publish-radical-joint-program.html Italy on cusp of populist coalition after parties publish radical joint program]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 20, 2018.

*Shaw, Adam (May 19, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/05/19/italy-on-cusp-populist-coalition-after-parties-publish-radical-joint-program.html Italy on cusp of populist coalition after parties publish radical joint program]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 20, 2018.

*Lane, Oliver JJ (May 18, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/05/18/italian-populists-publish-governing-contract-slams-failure-of-unsustainable-immigration/ Italian Populists Publish Governing Contract, Slams Failure of ‘Unsustainable’ Immigration]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 20, 2018.

*Lane, Oliver JJ (May 18, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/05/18/italian-populists-publish-governing-contract-slams-failure-of-unsustainable-immigration/ Italian Populists Publish Governing Contract, Slams Failure of ‘Unsustainable’ Immigration]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 20, 2018.

*Politi, James; Romei, Valentina (May 18, 2018). [https://www.ft.com/content/e0cd0f22-5a7c-11e8-bdb7-f6677d2e1ce8 Five Star and League strike Italy government deal]. ''Financial Times''. Retrieved May 20, 2018.</ref> Both parties allowed their voters to choose whether they approved of the coalition agenda.<ref>Segreti, Giulia (May 20, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-politics-ballot/italians-back-league-5-star-plan-as-groups-ready-government-team-idUSKCN1IL07X Italians back League, 5-Star plan as groups ready government team]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved May 20, 2018.<br>See also:

*Politi, James; Romei, Valentina (May 18, 2018). [https://www.ft.com/content/e0cd0f22-5a7c-11e8-bdb7-f6677d2e1ce8 Five Star and League strike Italy government deal]. ''Financial Times''. Retrieved May 20, 2018.</ref> Both parties allowed their voters to choose whether they approved of the coalition agenda.<ref>Segreti, Giulia (May 20, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-politics-ballot/italians-back-league-5-star-plan-as-groups-ready-government-team-idUSKCN1IL07X Italians back League, 5-Star plan as groups ready government team]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved May 20, 2018.<br>See also:

*Barigazzi, Jacopo (May 20, 2018). [https://www.politico.eu/article/italy-populist-government-5stars-league-approval-poll/ 6 out of 10 Italians approve of populist government: survey]. ''Politico''. Retrieved May 20, 2018.</ref> Despite this, Italy's [[establishment]] president rejected the coalition government as it supported nominating a Euroskeptic finance minister.<ref>Multiple references:

*Barigazzi, Jacopo (May 20, 2018). [https://www.politico.eu/article/italy-populist-government-5stars-league-approval-poll/ 6 out of 10 Italians approve of populist government: survey]. ''Politico''. Retrieved May 20, 2018.</ref> Despite this, Italy's [[establishment]] president rejected the coalition government as it supported nominating a Euroskeptic finance minister.<ref>Multiple references:

*Williams, Thomas D. (May 27, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/05/27/sabotage-italian-president-blocks-eurosceptic-coalition-govt-populist-leader-impeachment/ Sabotage: Italian President Blocks Eurosceptic Coalition Govt, Populist Leader Calls for Impeachment]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 27, 2018.

*Williams, Thomas D. (May 27, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/05/27/sabotage-italian-president-blocks-eurosceptic-coalition-govt-populist-leader-impeachment/ Sabotage: Italian President Blocks Eurosceptic Coalition Govt, Populist Leader Calls for Impeachment]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 27, 2018.

*Zampano, Giada (May 27, 2018). [https://www.politico.eu/article/italys-premier-designate-steps-down-after-failed-cabinet-talks/ Italy’s president scotches populist governing alliance]. ''Politico''. Retrieved May 27, 2018.</ref> However, a few days later, the two parties were able to reach a compromise with Italy's president and finalized their governing coalition.<ref>Multiple references:

*Zampano, Giada (May 27, 2018). [https://www.politico.eu/article/italys-premier-designate-steps-down-after-failed-cabinet-talks/ Italy’s president scotches populist governing alliance]. ''Politico''. Retrieved May 27, 2018.</ref> However, a few days later, the two parties were able to reach a compromise with Italy's president and finalized their governing coalition.<ref>Multiple references:

*Montgomery, Jack (May 31, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/05/31/breakthrough-populist-italian-govt-back-cards-five-star-lega-deal/ Breakthrough: Populist Italian Govt Back on the Cards as Five-Star and Lega Ink Fresh Deal]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 31, 2018.

*Montgomery, Jack (May 31, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/05/31/breakthrough-populist-italian-govt-back-cards-five-star-lega-deal/ Breakthrough: Populist Italian Govt Back on the Cards as Five-Star and Lega Ink Fresh Deal]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 31, 2018.

*Scherer, Steve; Jones, Gavin (May 31, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-politics/italys-anti-establishment-leaders-revive-governing-coalition-idUSKCN1IW0Z5 Italy's anti-establishment leaders revive governing coalition]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved May 31, 2018.

*Scherer, Steve; Jones, Gavin (May 31, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-politics/italys-anti-establishment-leaders-revive-governing-coalition-idUSKCN1IW0Z5 Italy's anti-establishment leaders revive governing coalition]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved May 31, 2018.

*Barry, Colleen (May 31, 2018). [https://www.apnews.com/0a1896978c1c436c9a94cf345b7c9381/Italy-gets-western-Europe's-1st-populist-govt-on-second-try Italy gets western Europe’s 1st populist govt on second try]. ''Associated Press''. Retrieved May 31, 2018.

*Barry, Colleen (May 31, 2018). [https://www.apnews.com/0a1896978c1c436c9a94cf345b7c9381/Italy-gets-western-Europe's-1st-populist-govt-on-second-try Italy gets western Europe’s 1st populist govt on second try]. ''Associated Press''. Retrieved May 31, 2018.

*Horowitz, Jason (May 31, 2018). [https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/31/world/europe/italy-government-populists.html Italy's Populist Parties Win Approval to Form Government]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved May 31, 2018.

*Horowitz, Jason (May 31, 2018). [https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/31/world/europe/italy-government-populists.html Italy's Populist Parties Win Approval to Form Government]. ''The New York Times''. Retrieved May 31, 2018.

See also:

See also:

*Deacon, Liam (May 31, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/05/31/polls-populists-support-surges-italy-right-wing-lega-closes-gap-m5s/ POLLS: Populist Support Surges in Italy, Nationalist Lega Closes Gap on Five-Star]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 31, 2018.</ref> The new government, Western Europe's first one completely run by populist and anti-establishment parties, was sworn in on June 1, 2018.<ref>Multiple references:

*Deacon, Liam (May 31, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/05/31/polls-populists-support-surges-italy-right-wing-lega-closes-gap-m5s/ POLLS: Populist Support Surges in Italy, Nationalist Lega Closes Gap on Five-Star]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 31, 2018.</ref> The new government, Western Europe's first one completely run by populist and anti-establishment parties, was sworn in on June 1, 2018.<ref>Multiple references:

*Montgomery, Jack (June 1, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/01/brussels-defeated-populist-coalition-takes-office-in-italy-eurosceptic-savona-returns-as-eu-affairs-minister/ BRUSSELS BEATEN: Populist Coalition Takes Office in Italy, Eurosceptic Savona Returns as EU Affairs Minister]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 1, 2018.

*Montgomery, Jack (June 1, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/01/brussels-defeated-populist-coalition-takes-office-in-italy-eurosceptic-savona-returns-as-eu-affairs-minister/ BRUSSELS BEATEN: Populist Coalition Takes Office in Italy, Eurosceptic Savona Returns as EU Affairs Minister]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 1, 2018.

*D'Emilio, Frances (June 1, 2018). [https://apnews.com/15605caac2ac4963bc4d36d388067b14/Italian-populists-sworn-into-power-as-euroskeptics-cheer Populists take power in Italy, with euro-skeptic agenda]. ''Associated Press''. Retrieved June 1, 2018.

*D'Emilio, Frances (June 1, 2018). [https://apnews.com/15605caac2ac4963bc4d36d388067b14/Italian-populists-sworn-into-power-as-euroskeptics-cheer Populists take power in Italy, with euro-skeptic agenda]. ''Associated Press''. Retrieved June 1, 2018.

*Jones, Gavin; Di Giorgio, Massimiliano (June 1, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-politics/italys-conte-sworn-in-as-pm-of-anti-establishment-government-idUSKCN1IX49T Italy's Conte sworn in as PM of anti-establishment government]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved June 1, 2018.

*Jones, Gavin; Di Giorgio, Massimiliano (June 1, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-politics/italys-conte-sworn-in-as-pm-of-anti-establishment-government-idUSKCN1IX49T Italy's Conte sworn in as PM of anti-establishment government]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved June 1, 2018.

*D'Emilo, Frances (June 11, 2018). [https://www.apnews.com/a87a748b204f45b898e4022372c008b1/Italy's-new-leaders-get-tough-on-migrants;-Spain-steps-up Italy’s new leaders get tough on migrants; Spain steps up]. ''Associated Press''. Retrieved June 11, 2018.

*D'Emilo, Frances (June 11, 2018). [https://www.apnews.com/a87a748b204f45b898e4022372c008b1/Italy's-new-leaders-get-tough-on-migrants;-Spain-steps-up Italy’s new leaders get tough on migrants; Spain steps up]. ''Associated Press''. Retrieved June 11, 2018.

See also:

See also:

*Tomlinson, Chris (June 15, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/15/80-percent-italians-agree-populist-salvini-block-migrant-transport-ship/ 80 Percent of Italians Support Populist Govt. Blocking Migrant Transport Vessel from Ports]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 15, 2018.</ref> and he said he would continue such actions.<ref>Multiple references:

*Tomlinson, Chris (June 15, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/15/80-percent-italians-agree-populist-salvini-block-migrant-transport-ship/ 80 Percent of Italians Support Populist Govt. Blocking Migrant Transport Vessel from Ports]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 15, 2018.</ref> and he said he would continue such actions.<ref>Multiple references:

*Shaw, Adam (June 16, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/06/16/italys-populist-government-wont-permit-boats-carrying-migrants-to-dock-despite-eu-pressure.html Italy's populist government won't permit boats carrying migrants to dock, despite EU pressure]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 16, 2018.

*Shaw, Adam (June 16, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/06/16/italys-populist-government-wont-permit-boats-carrying-migrants-to-dock-despite-eu-pressure.html Italy's populist government won't permit boats carrying migrants to dock, despite EU pressure]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 16, 2018.

*Hale, Virginia (June 17, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/17/italy-migrant-boats-leave-mocks/ Italy Demands Migrant NGO Boats Leave Mediterranean, Mocks Leftist Crew Members]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 17, 2018.

*Hale, Virginia (June 17, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/17/italy-migrant-boats-leave-mocks/ Italy Demands Migrant NGO Boats Leave Mediterranean, Mocks Leftist Crew Members]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 17, 2018.

*Pullella, Philip (June 16, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-italy/italy-demands-netherlands-recall-ngo-migrant-rescue-ships-idUSKBN1JC0GW Italy demands Netherlands recall NGO migrant rescue ships]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved June 16, 2018.

*Pullella, Philip (June 16, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-italy/italy-demands-netherlands-recall-ngo-migrant-rescue-ships-idUSKBN1JC0GW Italy demands Netherlands recall NGO migrant rescue ships]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved June 16, 2018.

*Borrelli, Silvia Sciorilli (June 16, 2018). [https://www.politico.eu/article/matteo-salvini-migration-italy-ports-closed-to-migrant-vessels/ Matteo Salvini: Italy’s ports are closed to migrant vessels]. ''Politico''. Retrieved June 16, 2018.

*Borrelli, Silvia Sciorilli (June 16, 2018). [https://www.politico.eu/article/matteo-salvini-migration-italy-ports-closed-to-migrant-vessels/ Matteo Salvini: Italy’s ports are closed to migrant vessels]. ''Politico''. Retrieved June 16, 2018.

See also:

See also:

*Deacon, Liam (June 17, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/17/nearly-70-per-cent-of-italians-back-salvinis-stand-again-eu-on-migrant-ship/ Nearly 70 Per Cent of Italians Back Salvini’s Stand Against EU on Migrant Ferries]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 17, 2018.

*Deacon, Liam (June 17, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/17/nearly-70-per-cent-of-italians-back-salvinis-stand-again-eu-on-migrant-ship/ Nearly 70 Per Cent of Italians Back Salvini’s Stand Against EU on Migrant Ferries]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 17, 2018.

*Tomlinson, Chris (June 23, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/23/italy-impound-ngo-migrant-ferries/ Italy to Impound NGO Migrant Ferries]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 23, 2018.</ref> The coalition announced it would crack down on illegal street vendors, many of whom are migrants.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (June 27, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/27/italy-crack-down-migrant-street-vendors-fines-sellers-buyers/ Italy to Crack Down on Migrant Street Vendors with Massive Fines for Sellers and Buyers]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 27, 2018.</ref> In July 2018, Salvini blocked a private Italian ship carrying migrants from docking.<ref>https://www.thelocal.it/20180710/italy-turns-away-private-italian-ship-vos-thalassa-rescued-migrants-libya For the first time, Italy prevents a private Italian ship from docking with rescued migrants]. ''The Local''. July 10, 2018. Retrieved July 11, 2018.</ref> He also ordered that benefits for asylum seekers be massively reduced.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (July 27, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/07/27/salvini-orders-asylum-seeker-benefits-greatly-reduced/ Italy Slashes Asylum Seeker Benefit Payments]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 27, 2018.</ref> In September 2018, Salvini signed a decree which, among other actions, would ban residency permits for humanitarian reasons, increase funding for deportation centers, and removed citizenship from terrorists.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (September 25, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/09/25/salvini-migration-decree-bans-humanitarian-residency-strips-terrorists-citizenship/ Salvini Migration Decree Bans Humanitarian Residency Permits, Strips Terrorists of Citizenship]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 25, 2018.</ref>

*Tomlinson, Chris (June 23, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/23/italy-impound-ngo-migrant-ferries/ Italy to Impound NGO Migrant Ferries]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 23, 2018.</ref> The coalition announced it would crack down on illegal street vendors, many of whom are migrants.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (June 27, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/27/italy-crack-down-migrant-street-vendors-fines-sellers-buyers/ Italy to Crack Down on Migrant Street Vendors with Massive Fines for Sellers and Buyers]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 27, 2018.</ref> In July 2018, Salvini blocked a private Italian ship carrying migrants from docking.<ref>https://www.thelocal.it/20180710/italy-turns-away-private-italian-ship-vos-thalassa-rescued-migrants-libya For the first time, Italy prevents a private Italian ship from docking with rescued migrants]. ''The Local''. July 10, 2018. Retrieved July 11, 2018.</ref> He also ordered that benefits for asylum seekers be massively reduced.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (July 27, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/07/27/salvini-orders-asylum-seeker-benefits-greatly-reduced/ Italy Slashes Asylum Seeker Benefit Payments]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 27, 2018.</ref> In September 2018, Salvini signed a decree which, among other actions, would ban residency permits for humanitarian reasons, increase funding for deportation centers, and removed citizenship from terrorists.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (September 25, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/09/25/salvini-migration-decree-bans-humanitarian-residency-strips-terrorists-citizenship/ Salvini Migration Decree Bans Humanitarian Residency Permits, Strips Terrorists of Citizenship]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved September 25, 2018.</ref>

In August 2018, Salvini announced change Italian identification forms to list one's "mother" and "father", rather than "parent one" and "parent two."<ref>Multiple references:

In August 2018, Salvini announced change Italian identification forms to list one's "mother" and "father", rather than "parent one" and "parent two."<ref>Multiple references:

==Policies==

==Policies==

Lega Nord takes [[Euroskeptic]] positions<ref>Deacon, Liam (January 20, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/01/20/right-wing-italian-election-favourite-blasts-the-eu-can-fck-itself/ Italian Election Favourite Blasts Brussels: ‘The EU Can Go F*ck Itself’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 20, 2018.</ref> and supports leaving the [[Euro]].<ref name="MontgomeryJan2018">Montgomery, Jack (January 6, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/01/06/italys-lega-nord-euro-tripling-deportations-securing-border/ Italy’s Lega Nord Commits to Leaving the Euro, Tripling Deportations, and Securing the Border]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 4, 2018.</ref> It also takes [[nationalist]] positions, supporting putting the Italian people first when making policy, as opposed to advancing [[globalist]] ideals.<ref>Binnie, Isla (February 24, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-election-league/league-leader-pledges-to-put-italians-first-as-election-campaign-intensifies-idUSKCN1G80O2 League leader pledges to put Italians first as election campaign intensifies]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved March 4, 2018.</ref>

Lega Nord takes [[Euroskeptic]] positions<ref>Deacon, Liam (January 20, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/01/20/right-wing-italian-election-favourite-blasts-the-eu-can-fck-itself/ Italian Election Favourite Blasts Brussels: ‘The EU Can Go F*ck Itself’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 20, 2018.</ref> and supports leaving the [[Euro]].<ref name="MontgomeryJan2018">Montgomery, Jack (January 6, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/01/06/italys-lega-nord-euro-tripling-deportations-securing-border/ Italy’s Lega Nord Commits to Leaving the Euro, Tripling Deportations, and Securing the Border]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 4, 2018.</ref> It also takes [[nationalist]] positions, supporting putting the Italian people first when making policy, as opposed to advancing [[globalist]] ideals.<ref>Binnie, Isla (February 24, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-italy-election-league/league-leader-pledges-to-put-italians-first-as-election-campaign-intensifies-idUSKCN1G80O2 League leader pledges to put Italians first as election campaign intensifies]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved March 4, 2018.</ref>

Lega Nord also takes a strong position against mass migration and Islam,<ref>Williams, Thomas D. (January 31, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/01/31/italys-salvini-promises-sealed-borders-todays-islam-is-a-danger/ Italy’s Salvini Promises Sealed Borders, ‘Today’s Islam Is a Danger’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 31, 2018.</ref><ref>Tomlinson, Chris (February 28, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/02/28/italian-populist-leader-slams-pro-migrant-bishop-swear-oath-bible/ Italian Populist Leader Slams Pro-Migrant Bishop: ‘The Gospel Doesn’t Say to Welcome Everyone’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 4, 2018.</ref> and it supports strong border security actions.<ref name="MontgomeryJan2018"/> The League also supports enacting [[tariffs]] on foreign products.<ref>Koukakis, Nasos (March 2, 2018). [https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/02/italys-far-right-populist-pm-candidate-loves-trumps-tariff-policy.html Not all Europeans hate Trump's tariff policy — Italy's far-right PM candidate loves it]. ''CNBC''. Retrieved March 4, 2018.</ref>

Lega Nord also takes a strong position against mass migration and Islam,<ref>Williams, Thomas D. (January 31, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/01/31/italys-salvini-promises-sealed-borders-todays-islam-is-a-danger/ Italy’s Salvini Promises Sealed Borders, ‘Today’s Islam Is a Danger’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 31, 2018.</ref><ref>Tomlinson, Chris (February 28, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/02/28/italian-populist-leader-slams-pro-migrant-bishop-swear-oath-bible/ Italian Populist Leader Slams Pro-Migrant Bishop: ‘The Gospel Doesn’t Say to Welcome Everyone’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 4, 2018.</ref> and it supports strong border security actions.<ref name="MontgomeryJan2018"/> The League also supports enacting [[tariffs]] on foreign products.<ref>Koukakis, Nasos (March 2, 2018). [https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/02/italys-far-right-populist-pm-candidate-loves-trumps-tariff-policy.html Not all Europeans hate Trump's tariff policy — Italy's far-right PM candidate loves it]. ''CNBC''. Retrieved March 4, 2018.</ref>

Under Salvini, Lega Nord has aligned itself with other like-minded parties and politicians in Europe, including the [[French National Front]] led by [[Marine Le Pen]] and [[Party for Freedom]] led by [[Geert Wilders]].<ref name="Success"/><ref>Mcintosh, Jane (March 6, 2018). [http://p.dw.com/p/2tkBK Who are Italy's two leading populist parties: Five Star Movement and the League?] ''Deutsche Welle''. Retrieved March 23, 2018.</ref> It is highly critical of [[George Soros]].<ref>Friedman, Victoria (June 4, 2018). [http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/04/populist-deputy-right-direction-soros-worried-italy/ Italian Populist: We’re Going in the ‘Right Direction’ If Soros Is Worried]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 4, 2018.</ref> [[Antifa]] and [[anarchist]] groups have targeted Lega Nord because of its beliefs.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (August 16, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/08/16/far-left-anarchist-extremists-take-credit-for-bombing-italian-populist-party-office/ Far-Left Anarchist Extremists Take Credit For Bombing Italian Populist Party Office]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved August 16, 2018.</ref>

Under Salvini, Lega Nord has aligned itself with other like-minded parties and politicians in Europe, including the [[French National Front]] led by [[Marine Le Pen]] and [[Party for Freedom]] led by [[Geert Wilders]].<ref name="Success"/><ref>Mcintosh, Jane (March 6, 2018). [http://p.dw.com/p/2tkBK Who are Italy's two leading populist parties: Five Star Movement and the League?] ''Deutsche Welle''. Retrieved March 23, 2018.</ref> It is highly critical of [[George Soros]].<ref>Friedman, Victoria (June 4, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/04/populist-deputy-right-direction-soros-worried-italy/ Italian Populist: We’re Going in the ‘Right Direction’ If Soros Is Worried]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 4, 2018.</ref> [[Antifa]] and [[anarchist]] groups have targeted Lega Nord because of its beliefs.<ref>Tomlinson, Chris (August 16, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/08/16/far-left-anarchist-extremists-take-credit-for-bombing-italian-populist-party-office/ Far-Left Anarchist Extremists Take Credit For Bombing Italian Populist Party Office]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved August 16, 2018.</ref>

==See also==

==See also==