Umberto Bossi, known for his instrumental role in founding the Northern League and advocating for Northern Italy's autonomy, passed away yesterday at the age of 84 in Varese. A native of Cassano Magnago, Bossi became a symbol of the party's crusade against what he referred to as 'thieving Rome,' and his political influence extended from regional to national levels through significant electoral victories and a unique coalition with figures like Roberto Maroni. Throughout his career, Bossi was unwavering in his push for autonomy for the North, often criticizing his party's current leader, Matteo Salvini, for straying from its original northern roots.