Salvini faces a major leadership test in Italy

Significance The League’s support has plummeted over the past few years, compounded by poor results in regional elections earlier this year. Internal critics are also increasingly uncomfortable with Salvini’s efforts to shift the party further to the right. Impacts Post-EU election coalition building and votes on key posts could exacerbate tensions within Italy’s government. Italy will have less opportunity for fiscal stimulus next year due to a slowing economy and the need to reduce the deficit. Italy’s support for Ukraine will likely remain robust while Meloni remains the leading right-wing politician.