Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini blamed the Agnelli family for Stellantis’ ongoing struggles with weak sales and falling demand. He argued the family, as the largest shareholder, bears more responsibility than former CEO Carlos Tavares, who resigned abruptly this week.

The Agnelli family owns 14.2% of Stellantis through their company Exor and originally founded Fiat. Salvini claimed their decisions, especially reliance on state aid while moving production abroad, have harmed the company. Stellantis has frequently paused operations in Italy, including a planned halt at the Termoli plant from December 16 to December 22, with workers furloughed.

Stellantis Faces Leadership and Identity Challenges

Stellantis, formed in 2021 from the merger of France’s PSA and Italy’s Fiat Chrysler, owns brands like Dodge, Vauxhall, Peugeot, and Maserati. Despite its Italian roots, Salvini and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the company for leaning French in operations. Both questioned the national interest alignment of John Elkann, Agnelli family heir and Stellantis chairman.

Meloni pledged to safeguard Italian jobs, while Salvini condemned Elkann’s refusal to address parliament despite Italy’s significant investment in the company. He also criticized Tavares for alleged mismanagement during his tenure.

Tavares resigned following Stellantis’ disappointing sales, notably in North America, alongside layoffs in Detroit, Toledo, and Sterling Heights. The resignation also stemmed from disagreements with the board. Rising inventory levels exacerbated the company’s challenges.

John Elkann has been named interim CEO, with rumors suggesting Apple’s outgoing CFO, Luca Maestri, as a potential replacement, though Stellantis denied the claims.