Pontida once again became the political thermometer of the Lega party this weekend and, by extension, of the European sovereigntist bloc. Under the slogan ‘Free and Strong,’ tens of thousands of activists and supporters filled the Bergamo meadow, waving flags with the Sun of the Alps, banners against mass immigration and identity T-shirts.
The opening on Saturday was dedicated to the youth. Still, the heart of the rally beat on Sunday, September 21st, when Matteo Salvini took the stage and set out the roadmap: no to a European army, no to sending Italian sons to war in Ukraine, and the defense of a domestic agenda focused on a flat tax, justice reform, housing, and security. On family economy, Salvini said “Extend the flat tax to all workers … pay less and let everyone pay.” On social priorities, he called on banks to contribute to a major housing plan: “Those who can must lend a hand … so that our children can buy a home.”
The Lega leader framed the gathering as a celebration of love for traditions, roots, and homeland, asking his followers to mark February 14th for a significant mobilization: “On Saturday, February 14, we will be the protagonists of the largest demonstration ever held in defense of the values, rights, borders, and freedoms of Western civilization … I ask you for commitment and, in return, I offer you my life and freedom. Free, strong and without fear.”
The rally included a moment of reflection when Salvini asked for a tribute to Charlie Kirk, the American conservative activist assassinated earlier this month. First, a minute of silence with images on the screen; then, a thunder of clapping: “Now a minute of applause that reaches all the way to Arizona.” The gesture underlined the core message of the importance of defending freedom of expression against political violence.
The continental dimension of the event was evident in the interventions of Jordan Bardella and Santiago Abascal, reinforcing the RN–Lega–Vox axis. Bardella emphasized freedom as the core of Western civilization: “Freedom of expression is the heart of Western civilization… Today it is under threat: in Europe, you can risk your life for a cartoon or for criticizing radical Islamism.” He stated that
While the Patriots defend freedom, the radical left chooses violence.
Abascal sent a video that drew ovations: “Thank you for remaining faithful to a Europe of nations … They will do everything because they want us to kneel, but they will not succeed … They will not silence us: we are going to win.”
The international script was completed with youth delegations from RN, Fidesz, VOX and the Young Republicans from the U.S., and with a clear stance on the Middle East: “Two peoples, two states” would be “impossible as long as the Islamist butchers of Hamas hold Palestinian and Israeli children hostage,” Salvini said..
