New Delhi: An unexpected spectacle unfolded within its parliament as Italy takes center stage in global diplomacy hosting the G-7 summit. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, amidst welcoming international leaders from India, the United States, Japan, France, Britain, and Canada, faced domestic discord as her country’s parliament descended into chaos.
On a contentious Wednesday, the hallowed halls of the Italian parliament transformed into a battleground over a divisive bill proposing increased autonomy for certain Italian regions. The bill, which sparked fierce debate, is seen by its detractors as a catalyst for widening the economic and social rift between Italy’s affluent north and the struggling south.
The viral video capturing the parliamentary pandemonium shows opposition MPs vehemently opposing the bill, leading to a physical altercation with ruling party members. In a moment emblematic of the heated exchange, opposition leader Leonardo Donno is seen presenting the national flag to Minister Roberto Calderoli, which is promptly returned, igniting further uproar and culminating in a melee of flying fists.
The incident has drawn international attention, overshadowing the G-7 summit’s commencement the following day. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani lamented the regrettable events, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy over discord, a sentiment reflecting the spirit of the G-7’s mission of collaborative problem-solving on the world stage.
The G-7 summit, held in the picturesque region of Apulia, aims to address pressing global issues such as conflicts, artificial intelligence, and African development, focusing on Italy’s migration challenges. Meanwhile, the Italian parliament continues to grapple with the proposed autonomy bill, a domestic issue with profound implications for the nation’s unity.
