Massimiliano Fedriga

Massimiliano Fedriga (born 2 July 1980 in Verona, Italy) is an Italian politician affiliated with the Lega party who has served as President of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia autonomous region since 2018. He was re-elected to the position in April 2023, securing approximately 64% of the vote and becoming the region's first re-elected president. Prior to his regional leadership, Fedriga represented Friuli-Venezia Giulia as a member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies for three terms from 2008 to 2018. Within the Lega organization, he has held roles including secretary for the Trieste section and later the regional branch in Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Early life and education

Early life

Massimiliano Fedriga was born on 2 July 1980 in Verona, Italy. He grew up in Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Education and early profession

Fedriga obtained a degree in Communication Sciences from the University of Trieste.

Prior to his political involvement, he served as a marketing manager for several companies in northeastern Italy, where his academic expertise in communication informed strategic roles bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application in public-facing campaigns. Born in Verona, his relocation to Trieste for studies highlighted early regional mobility within Italy.

Political career

Entry into politics and party leadership

Fedriga joined Lega Nord, the precursor to the modern Lega party, in 1995 at the age of 15, marking the start of his longstanding affiliation with the regionalist and federalist movement. His early entry as a minor underscored a grassroots commitment that propelled his rise within the party's structure in Friuli-Venezia Giulia over two decades.

Fedriga advanced through various internal leadership positions, leveraging his communication sciences background for organizational and promotional roles. In September 2014, he was elected regional secretary of Lega in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a key position that solidified his influence in steering the party's regional agenda and aligning it with national shifts under Matteo Salvini.

Service in the Chamber of Deputies

Massimiliano Fedriga was elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 2008 as a representative of Friuli-Venezia Giulia for the Lega Nord party, beginning his service on 29 April 2008. He was re-elected in 2013, continuing his tenure through the XVII Legislature until resigning on 8 May 2018 to assume the presidency of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

During his time in the XVI Legislature (2008–2013), Fedriga served on the XI Commission for Public and Private Labour, focusing on labor policies and social issues from 15 May 2008 to 14 March 2013. He also participated in the Parliamentary Commission for Vigilance.

In the XVII Legislature (2013–2018), he advanced to leadership roles, including as group leader (capogruppo) for Lega Nord and Autonomies - Noi con Salvini from July 2014 to March 2018, influencing party strategy and legislative priorities. Later, from December 2017 to March 2018, he rejoined the XI Commission, contributing to discussions on employment and welfare policies. Additionally, he was involved in the Conference of Group Presidents, aiding in parliamentary coordination.

Presidency of Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Massimiliano Fedriga was elected President of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the regional election on 29 April 2018 and assumed office on 3 May 2018, succeeding the centre-left leader Debora Serracchiani. This victory represented a political shift toward centre-right governance in the autonomous region.

Fedriga's administration has emphasized political stability, institutional reliability, and international partnerships to position the region amid global challenges. His leadership has been noted for high public approval, topping governance polls and enabling re-election in April 2023 with 64.2% of the vote.

Presidency of the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces

Massimiliano Fedriga was elected President of the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces on 9 April 2021, succeeding Stefano Bonaccini. In this role, he leads the assembly of regional presidents, overseeing coordination among Italy's regions and autonomous provinces to pursue unified actions on citizens' needs while respecting institutional diversity.

Fedriga's responsibilities include facilitating interregional dialogue to define common policy positions, which are then advocated to the national government through bodies like the State-Regions Conference, to Parliament via hearings and consultations, and to European institutions including the Committee of the Regions. The presidency emphasizes loyal cooperation, enabling regions to influence national legislation on financial, institutional, and sectoral matters such as health, environment, and finance through the Conference's thematic commissions.

Under his leadership, the Conference has advanced inter-regional coordination on sustainable development, including partnerships with entities like Cassa Depositi e Prestiti to promote territorial growth and investment. Fedriga has also engaged in national dialogues on European investment reports and policy implementation, bolstering relations between regional authorities and central government on economic and EU-related priorities.

Honors and distinctions

Fedriga was awarded the Order of Gold by the Republic of Slovenia on 15 November 2022, in recognition of his efforts to strengthen historical alliances and daily collaboration between Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Slovenia.

He has also received honorary citizenship from the municipality of Sarnano in the Marche region, conferred alongside other public figures for contributions to community recovery and support initiatives.