Italian MPs clash in Parliament ahead of G7 Summit

After the video went viral, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed regret over the incident

Ahead of the G7 Summit, a brawl erupted in Italy’s parliament with one lawmaker leaving the chamber in a wheelchair.

According to reports, the scuffle kicked off during a vote in the Chamber of Deputies, Italy’s lower house of Parliament, on the government’s controversial bill paving way to give Italy’s regions greater autonomy. The video showed opposition party member Leonardo Donno trying to give an Italian flag to Minister Roberto Calderoli. As Donno approached, Calderoli rejected the flag and backed away. Within seconds, others in the lower chamber joined the fray.

After the video went viral, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed regret over the incident, saying he had "no words".

"We need to set another example, not punches to resolve political problems," he told Italy's Sky TG24 news channel.

Donno later told Italian news agency Adnkronos that he “got close” to Calderoli, in an attempt to hand him the flag and “nothing else.”

He described how chaos erupted afterward, saying, "I was kicked several times and received a strong blow to my chest, causing me to collapse because I couldn't breathe." Donno mentioned being scared by the incident and receiving medical treatment at the hospital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Apulia, Italy on Thursday night to attend the G7 Summit.

Ahead of G-7 summit, brawl breaks out in Italian Parliament. Watch to know more!#G7Summit #Brawl #Italy pic.twitter.com/OpitsAN93X

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Ahead of his trip, the PM said he was "glad" that his first foreign visit in his third consecutive term as Prime Minister was to Italy for the G7 Summit.

"I warmly recall my visit to Italy for the G20 Summit in 2021. Prime Minister Meloni's two visits to India last year were instrumental in infusing momentum and depth into our bilateral agenda. We remain committed to consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions," his statement reads.

"During the discussions at the Outreach session, the focus would be on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. It will be an opportunity to bring greater synergy between the outcomes of the G20 Summit held under India's Presidency and the forthcoming G7 Summit and deliberate on issues which are crucial for the Global South. I am also looking forward to meeting other leaders participating in the summit," he said.