Tuesday, 23 August 2016

Matteo Salvini, Master in Managing Contrast



Every politician does rope walking between two opposing goals. But few do this in style. Matteo Salvini of Italy is one such politician who excel in managing contrast. The fortune of his party in Italy, Lega Nord has catapulted from a measly 4% vote bank in 2013 when he took over to a whopping 16% within a couple of years. How did he do that?
The rise of Matteo Salvini has silenced many of his critics. When he took over the reins of Lega Nord (English equivalent Northern League) it was just a minor party active in the Northern Italy campaigning for secession from Italy. It elicited meagre electoral success. So when the critics said that he is officiating the last journey of Lega Nord, none disputed it. But within two years the party has arisen from the ashes to be a contender for power at national level.
When I did a cosmic analysis of body, mind and spirit of Matteo Salvini, I found that his secret of success is anchored on his conscious mind where he uses a combination of analytical thinking and situational leadership to manage two mutually opposing ends in a unique style of contrast management. Here are six pieces of evidence to prove my thesis:
1.         Originally a left winger Salvini has embraced far-right policies going with the current trend in Europe. Having elected as Member of European Parliament from North-west Italy he quickly formed a union with like-minded politicians such as Geert Wilders of Netherlands and Marine Le Pen of France. The combined strength of them is translated into 38 Members in European Parliament. This grouping is named as “Europe of Nations & Freedom”.
2.         A drop-out of University of Milan where he read history, Salvini has become master of publicity. He relishes his skills in presenting his bearded face with charming smile going along in free style to attract wide attention from young and the old. Talk shows, social media and glossy magazines carry his message to the youth and sundry. He also attends Milan Men’s wear fashion show and other public gatherings to attract attention.
3.         His campaign slogan for the European Parliamentary election of 2014 is “Basta Euro (Out of Euro)” but he is not Eurosceptic at all. He seeks New Europeanism based on the principles of federalism, freedom and people oriented economic policies. He wants to clip the wings of Brussels bureaucracy by giving powers to European Parliament. He says President of European Commission that oversees the affairs of EU must be elected by direct votes and that European Central Bank must be the lender of last resort.
4.         He stands for family values and opposes the notion of same-sex marriage. In contrast he also calls for legalization of brothels.
5.         He welcomes immigration from outside Italy and wants to open doors to people from Europe or elsewhere who nurture Judeo-Christian heritage but opposes Muslim immigrants who have better eligibility in terms of education and other criteria.
6.         He opposes sanctions against Russia and at the same time seeks to foster economic and political relationship with Eastern Europe despite the fact that such relationship could bring economic disasters to Italy. Two of the main pointers are: cheap labour from the East and the social overheads in training and equipping them to work in Italy.
Muthu Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile:   +94 777 265677
E-mail:    cosmicgems@gmail.com


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