Deputy Premier and
anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S) leader Luigi Di Maio
and nationalist League leader Matteo Salvini separately said
Friday they would meet to discuss ways of easing tensions that
have spurred talk of a government crisis.
But Salvini said he still had a problem with negative
positions on League policy from many in the M5S.
Di Maio ruled out a government crisis and called for talks
with Salvini in order to "go forward" after relations between
the two populist allies neared breaking point Thursday.
"I rule out there being a crisis, I've always been taught not
to do ill and not to fear: we have important reforms to
achieve," Di Maio said on RAI TV.
"The only thing I say is that it is better to see each other,
and talk directly instead of at a distance, it's right to meet,
so that we can clear things up and go forward, today, because
today is the cabinet meeting and the talks on autonomy".
Tensions came to a head Thursday as Salvini said he had lost
personal trust in Di Maio amid rows over the new European
Commission chief, whom the M5S voted for against the League, and
over alleged Russian funding for Salvini's party.
Salvini accused the M5S of flirting with the centre-left
opposition Democratic Party (PD), a charge Di Maio angrily
denied.
Di Maio also stressed Friday that he did not suspect Salvini
of getting Russian funds.
"If I suspected Salvini I would not be in the government,"
said Di Maio, who is also industry and labour minister.
Di Maio said Salvini, who is also interior minister, had
promised he would brief parliament on the Russian funding
allegations before Premier Giuseppe Conte speaks to parliament
on the case on July 24.
He also announced a parliamentary commission of inquiry on
funding to all parties "including our own".
Salvini said he would see Di Maio to ease the tensions that
have spurred talk of a crisis between the government partners.
But he said there was still a problem with negative stances
from many in the M5S towards League policies like greater
northern autonomy and moving ahead on major infrastructure
projects.
"I'll certainly see Di Maio, but Italy can't go forward with
so many Nos," the deputy premier and interior minister said.
"The problem is not Di Maio, but the No policy and blocks on
the part of many in the 5 Stars."
Salvini cited alleged "blocks" from Transport Minister Danilo
Toninelli and Defence Minister Elisabetta Trenta, both members
of the M5S.
He said Toninelli had blocked a Genoa bypass "that would
remove thousands of cars and lorries from the Genoese streets",
and Trenta had blocked his tough anti-migrant policy "by
proposing to put to sea other navy ships and risking to attract
new migrant departures and business for the smugglers".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
