Ambition and Betrayal Sink Italy’s Puppet Master
The Italian nationalist’s power grab failed after he was spectacularly outmaneuvered by his rivals.
Matteo Salvini is surrounded by supporters in Policoro, Italy, on Aug. 10, 2019.
Photographer: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images
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Matteo Salvini was at the apex of his political dominance less than a month ago as go-go dancers gyrated to the national anthem while he improvised as a DJ at a beach bar.
Italy’s deputy prime minister and ringleader of Europe’s anti-immigration forces was back in a suit and tie in the splendor of the presidential palace in Rome this week. But rather than rocking the crowd, he was blaming an international conspiracy for booting him out of office. His attempt to grab power by forcing early elections had backfired.