In a stinging attack on Brussels, Mr Salvini claimed the Eurozone was responsible for soaring levels of public debt in Italy.
And he said it was time for EU member states to be take back their “freedom” from unelected bureaucrats.
Mr Salvini, the head of Italy’s right-wing Lega party, said: “The word ‘populism’ is a compliment to me.
“We envision a different Europe where every EU country should have the freedom to decide its own economic policies.
“We are working to change Europe from the inside.
“We are working to change economic, political, tax and agricultural policies.
“I would change some EU rules immediately, for example the directive on banks.”
But he denied he wanted Italy to quit the Eurozone, despite describing the single currency as a “wrong experiment”.
Mr Salvini said: “Following the policies of the European Union these past few years has led to a record public debt in Italy.
“Italy is the second-to-last country in Europe for economic growth. So I intend to do something completely different.
“We propose a flat tax and an amnesty for those who owe taxes up to €100,000 (£89,000) to help them climb out of debt. We consider these to be small debts.
“I still think the euro was a wrong experiment. Since now it is here, we have to improve its conditions.
However, he insisted Italy‘s economy was “safe” despite the country’s deep financial woes.
Speaking to the Washington Post, he added: “I have met almost all the CEOs of big banks – Italian and American.
“They are waiting for a fiscal reform and a justice reform before investing in Italy.”
Additional reporting by Martia Ortega