In a chaotic turn of events, the Italian Parliament erupted in a fist-fight over a controversial bill seeking to expand regional autonomy. The incident occurred in the lower house, where MPs brawled in a dispute that escalated into violence.
An opposition lawmaker, Leonardo Donno, attempted to hand an Italian flag to Regional Affairs Minister Roberto Calderoli, sparking the confrontation. Donno alleged that he was assaulted and sustained injuries to his sternum, while other MPs also reported involvement in the scuffle.
The chaos involved numerous MPs, with some being sanctioned for their participation in the brawl. Senate Speaker Ignazio La Russa expressed embarrassment over the incident, which occurred as Italy hosted the G7 Summit.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for a more constructive approach to resolving political issues. The incident highlights the deep divisions and tensions surrounding regional autonomy in Italy, as well as the potential for political disagreements to escalate into physical confrontations.