Title: Chaos in the Italian Parliament: A League deputy hits another from the M5S on the head
Igor Iezzi, a deputy from the League led by Matteo Salvini, repeatedly hit parliamentarian Leonardo Donno from the Five Star Movement (M5S) on the head during Wednesday’s session in the Italian Chamber of Deputies, where the differentiated autonomy law for regions was being debated. The assault occurred when Donno was trying to deliver an Italian flag to the Minister of Regional and Autonomous Affairs, Roberto Calderoli, according to the newspaper La Repubblica. After the incident, several League deputies, and as claimed by the M5S, attacked Donno, who left the Chamber in a wheelchair after falling to the ground from kicks and punches.
«The attack that occurred in the Chamber against Leonardo Donno is a very serious and shameful event. Our deputy only wanted to deliver an Italian flag to Minister Calderoli when he was attacked by parliamentarians of the majority, including League member Iezzi, receiving punches and ending up on the ground,» the party said in a statement. Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, leader of the M5S, condemned the attack on the social network X: «They attacked our Leonardo Donno because he brought the tricolor to Minister Calderoli, because we say no to the secession of Italy signed by Meloni, Salvini, and Tajani.»
After the assault, Iezzi defended himself. «I tried to punch him, but I didn’t reach him. Donno tried to attack Calderoli and I reacted,» he said, adding that «there was no physical violence,» according to the AdnKronos news agency. Stay updated on all international news on Facebook and X, or in our weekly newsletter. Join EL PAÍS to stay informed and read without limits. Subscribe.
Additional content: The incident in the Italian Parliament has sparked outrage and calls for accountability for the violent behavior exhibited by the League deputy towards a member of the M5S. This event highlights the tensions and divisions within Italian politics, as different parties clash over key issues such as regional autonomy. It also raises questions about the need for respect and civility in political discourse, emphasizing the importance of peaceful and constructive debates in democratic institutions. As the investigation into the assault continues, it remains to be seen how the Italian Parliament will address this incident and uphold the principles of democracy and rule of law.