Umberto Bossi, the co-founder of the Italian right-wing party Lega, has passed away at 84 in a Varese hospital. He played a pivotal role in establishing the autonomy movement known as Lega Autonomista in the 1980s, which later transformed into the Lega Nord and eventually the populist Lega that governs in Rome today. His political career was closely intertwined with that of Silvio Berlusconi, the former Prime Minister and founder of Forza Italia, with whom he had both partnerships and conflicts over the years.

During his long tenure in politics, Bossi was a significant figure in both the Italian Parliament and the European Parliament, serving as a Minister twice under Berlusconi's governments. His work was marked by his advocacy for regional autonomy, particularly for Northern Italy, and his party's rise reflects broader trends in European populism. Following his death, Italian President Sergio Mattarella praised Bossi as an "upright democrat," highlighting the complexity of his legacy amidst the controversial trajectory of the Lega party.

Bossi's career was also marred by legal troubles, including a prison sentence related to party finances, which draws attention to the ongoing issues around political accountability in Italy. His passing signals a notable moment in Italian politics, potentially reshaping the landscape for the Lega and other populist movements in the country. With Bossi's leadership once crucial in popularizing regional autonomy, his death raises questions about the future direction of the party and its influence in an evolving political environment.