Salvini and the Italian Bishops Clash over Autonomy and Migrants

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Lega leader Matteo Salvini has publicly criticized the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI) for their opposition to the recently approved regional autonomy reforms. Salvini argues that the reforms will bring efficiency, modernization, and better services for citizens. The CEI, through Bishop Francesco Savino, has expressed concern that the reforms could lead to a fragmented Italy and a ‘Wild West’ scenario between wealthy and poorer regions. The dispute has also extended to the issue of migrants, with Salvini calling for the CEI to be transparent about the number of migrants they intend to host in Vatican City and to offer concrete solutions to the migrant crisis. The Lega has accused the CEI of hypocrisy, suggesting that their criticism of the autonomy reforms is driven by political motivations.