Tumultuous Scene in Italian Parliament Over Autonomy Bill
The Italian Parliament became a battleground on Wednesday, June 13, as the debate over a controversial bill proposed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government escalated into physical altercations. The bill seeks to grant increased autonomous powers to regions that desire it, further igniting divisions between the government and opposition parties.
The incident unfolded when Leonardo Donno, a deputy from the opposition Five Star Movement (M5S), attempted to wrap an Italian flag around the neck of Roberto Calderoli, the Minister for Regional Affairs and Autonomies. This act incited outrage among League deputies, who left their benches to confront Donno. A video captured the chaos in the chamber, showing several men in suits and ties embroiled in the altercation.
Reactions and Accusations Fly
MPs from the League and Prime Minister Meloni's party, Fratelli d'Italia, accused Donno of provoking the incident or even exaggerating his injuries. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the violence, stating on Sky TG24, 'The hemicycle is not a ring (...) We must show a completely different example; it is not punches that solve political problems.' On the other hand, the Five Star Movement described the attack as 'very serious and shameful' and demanded 'serious and immediate measures.'
The tumult led to at least two injuries, including Donno, who was reportedly struck twice on the head, although this remains disputed. Donno had to be wheeled out of the chamber and hospitalized. A parliamentary assistant was also injured, sustaining blows to the face and stomach.
Broader Implications of the Autonomy Bill
Debate over the bill has been intense since its first reading months ago, with opposition parties strongly critical of the potential implications. Particularly in southern regions, there are fears that granting more autonomy could result in the state withdrawing from key sectors such as health and education. Critics argue that this could disadvantage economically weaker regions, exacerbating existing inequalities and potentially leading to the 'disintegration of Italy.'
Following the violent clash, the President of the Chamber, Lorenzo Fontana, halted the session and announced that video recordings would be reviewed to determine appropriate corrective actions. The event has sparked widespread condemnation, including from Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein and other opposition figures, who decried the violence as 'unheard of' and unsustainable for parliamentary decorum.
- After receiving medical treatment, Donno gave a detailed account of the incident, claiming he was struck by Deputy Iezzi and others. 'I collapsed, I felt pain in my chest and had trouble breathing,' he said according to Rai. However, Iezzi denied hitting Donno, asserting that he only attempted to defend Minister Calderoli and accused Donno of pretending to be injured.
- The heated context of this debate stems from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's recent triumph in the European elections, which emboldened her government to push for more dramatic reforms like the differentiated autonomy bill. The bill's implications are profound, as it could reshape Italy's political landscape by redistributing powers more favorably to certain regions over others.
- The opposition has continued to hold rallies and demonstrations, highlighting the risk of increased regional disparity. They argue that Meloni's government is prioritizing political gains over the well-being of the entire nation. As the legislative battle rages on, the broader public remains deeply divided on the issue.
