Mar 23 • 00:00 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy La Repubblica

Thousands in Pontida for Bossi, cheers and boos against Salvini: 'We are betrayed, burn the tricolor'

A significant gathering in Pontida brought thousands together for the funeral of Umberto Bossi, where attendees expressed discontent with Salvini amid calls for independence.

The funeral of Umberto Bossi turned into a political flashback, with attendees echoing slogans from the early 1990s demanding independence for Padania and condemning the Italian government. The atmosphere was charged as chants of 'Rome is a thief' were directed not only at the central authority but also at current leaders like Matteo Salvini. This gathering highlighted the ongoing discontent within the Northern League and the schisms it faces.

Bossi's legacy continues to resonate in the party he founded, yet the sentiments expressed at the funeral revealed a fracture between the party's past champions and its current leadership. Many attendees felt betrayed by the direction Salvini has taken, which they perceive as a departure from the party's original ideals of autonomy and regional pride. The emotional outpouring at the event underscored not only a tribute to Bossi but also a rally against the perceived failures of contemporary leaders to uphold the party’s foundational goals.

This event may serve as a wake-up call for the Northern League leadership, as supporters demand a return to the core principles that once fueled the movement. The tensions at Bossi's funeral reflect a broader struggle within regional politics in Italy, as the party navigates its identity amid evolving political landscapes, sparking discussions on regional autonomy amid national challenges.

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