A storm has erupted over Lega Nord member Debora Piazza, secretary and city councilor in Barzanò, in the Lecco province. She was suspended from all her duties following the controversy surrounding her comments during the Facebook livestream of the election campaign with Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein and Lecco's center-left mayoral candidate, Mauro Gattinoni. "Don't we have someone who drives with depression, who's unemployed, who offends Christians, and who just happens to be passing by and doing us a favor?" Piazza wrote, referring to the recent events in Modena .
The Northern League immediately issued a statement: "The Lega Salvini Premier firmly distances itself from any statement or expression that could be interpreted as a wish for violence, hatred, or harm." It also announced that "to protect the movement's image and in accordance with the values the League represents, Debora Piazza has been suspended from all positions and activities, effective immediately ," according to a statement from the Northern League's provincial secretary in Lecco, Daniele Butti. "Political debate can and must be tough, but always with respect for individuals, human dignity, and democratic principles. Our political community does not wish death or harm on anyone, not even through provocation, irony, or joking. Violence is not tolerated in the League."
"It was not my intention to wish harm on anyone or to fuel political hatred—the attempt to defend the Square itself—. If my words were interpreted in this way, I sincerely apologize. I believe in democratic debate and respect for individuals, values that must always prevail over any political tension."
A few hours later, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also distanced herself: "I express my solidarity with Elly Schlein for the very serious comment made by a local League representative in Lecco, invoking the Modena massacre, referring to the Democratic Party secretary's rally in Lecco. These are unacceptable words, which go beyond all bounds and cannot be justified in any political context. The League," she added, "was right to intervene immediately, suspending the leader from her duties. It was the right decision, clear and unambiguous. Violence, even when merely evoked, can never become political language. There must be no hesitation on this point."
(Unioneonline/D)