(AFP) After rising to and falling from government with his “Italians first” rallying cry and anti-migrant diatribes, far-right leader Matteo Salvini remains hugely popular and has set his sights on a return to power despite an impending trial.
The 46-year-old from Milan, who stands accused of blocking migrants from leaving a coast guard boat last year, remains Italy’s most vociferous and controversial politician.
Even after senators voted on Wednesday to strip him of his parliamentary immunity he cut a defiant, unyielding figure, saying that he was not worried and “proud” of what he had done.
“I will do it again as soon as I get back into power,” he said.
It is a typically pugnacious stance from a man who divides public opinion.
