Tensions boiled over in the Italian Parliament on Wednesday as lawmakers engaged in a physical altercation over a bill proposing greater regional autonomy.
The incident occurred just days before Italy is set to host the annual G7 Summit in Puglia.
The video footage showed opposition party member Leonardo Donno attempting to hand an Italian flag to Minister Roberto Calderoli.
When Calderoli rejects the flag, a scuffle ensues, with other lawmakers joining the fray and exchanging shoves and punches.
The proposed bill has sparked debate, with supporters arguing it will grant more independence to certain regions, while opponents claim it will worsen the economic divide between northern and southern Italy.
In the aftermath of the brawl, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed regret over the incident, telling Sky TG24 news, “We need to set another example, not punches to resolve political problems.”
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As Italy prepares to welcome world leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden for the G7 Summit, the government will be keen to move past this embarrassing display and project an image of stability and unity.
