European Far-Right Leaders Rally in Support of Salvini Amid Legal Battle

Matteo Salvini faces a potential six-year prison sentence for blocking a migrant boat in 2019, drawing support from far-right figures across Europe.

Matteo Salvini, Italy's Deputy Prime Minister, is under legal scrutiny for preventing a migrant boat from docking in 2019, with prosecutors accusing him of effectively kidnapping over 100 migrants.
Far-right leaders, including Hungary's Viktor Orban and the Netherlands' Geert Wilders, have publicly supported Salvini, highlighting a growing ideological divide in Europe over immigration policies.
The gathering of far-right politicians in Pontida, Italy, underscores the increasing influence of nationalist parties across Europe, as they form alliances like the Patriots for Europe group.
Salvini's legal case is set for a hearing on October 18, though the timeline for a verdict remains uncertain, and the outcome could have significant political implications.
Orban has threatened to transport asylum seekers to Brussels unless the European Court of Justice lifts a fine on Hungary, reflecting tensions between national governments and EU immigration policies.