Calderoli rejected the gesture and chaos ensued, resulting in injuries for Donno.
Italy's parliament witnessed a brawl between lawmakers on June 13, 2024.
The incident began when Leonardo Donno of the Five Star Movement attempted to hand an Italian flag to Roberto Calderoli of the Lega party.
The proposed expansion of regional autonomy, drafted by Calderoli, has been widely condemned and criticized for widening the north-south divide in Italy.
This is not the first time that Italy's parliament has seen such incidents.
Italy's parliament witnessed a brawl between lawmakers on June 13, 2024, during a vote on a controversial government bill regarding regional autonomy. The incident began when Leonardo Donno of the Five Star Movement attempted to hand an Italian flag to Roberto Calderoli of the Lega party. Calderoli rejected the gesture, and chaos ensued as other lawmakers joined in.
Donno was injured during the altercation and was taken away from the scene in a wheelchair before being sent to a hospital for evaluation. The proposed expansion of regional autonomy, drafted by Calderoli, would mostly benefit regions like Veneto and Lombardy but opponents argue that it will further widen the north-south divide in Italy.
The brawl was widely condemned by political leaders and made headlines around the world. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed disappointment at the scene, stating that “we need to set another example, not punches to resolve political problems.”
This is not the first time that Italy's parliament has seen such incidents. In 2021, deputies from the Brothers of Italy mobbed the center of the chamber to interrupt a debate on the COVID-19 health pass. Critics argue that these scenes undermine Italy's unity and set a poor example for its citizens.
The fight in parliament comes as Italy prepares to host world leaders for the annual Group of Seven summit in Puglia, where leaders will discuss global issues including the war in Ukraine.
A brawl occurred in Italy's parliament on Wednesday during a vote on a government bill.
Leonardo Donno of the Five Star Movement party thrust an Italian flag into the face of Roberto Calderoli, the Minister for Regional Affairs and Autonomies.
Two parliamentary clerks attempted to break up the pair before other lawmakers joined in.
Donno was taken away from the scene in a wheelchair after receiving punches and collapsing due to lack of breath.
Accuracy
The fight began when Leonardo Donno of the Five Star Movement party thrust an Italian flag into the face of Roberto Calderoli, the Minister for Regional Affairs and Autonomies.
