Salvini says Veneto 'winner' with Zaia nomination - update2

(ANSA) - Milan, March 2 - Northern League leader Matteo Salvini said Monday that the Veneto region is the "winner" with the party executive's unanimous selection of Governor Luca Zaia as its candidate in upcoming elections.
    That was "consistent" with League rules despite a challenge from dissident Flavio Tosi, said Salvini, insisting his party's Federal Council remains "solid".
    At a news conference, Salvini added: "Nobody won fully, no one lost across the board, but the movement is solid and has a candidate in Veneto".
    The party must now concentrate on winning Veneto regional elections in the spring, he said after a strategy meeting that also considered reported appeals for a right-wing alliance with ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia.
    There are reportedly large rifts within the Norther League over regional leadership, particularly between Zaia and Tosi, mayor of Verona.
    Tosi has also accused Salvini of trying to destroy the autonomy of the Veneto branch of the movement, the Liga Veneta, and had threatened to run as an independent in the Veneto regional campaign.
    Also on the agenda was analysis of a demonstration Salvini led in Rome on Saturday against the government of Premier Matteo Renzi.