Umberto Bossy launched a real bolt from the blue: at European elections he will not vote is preferably used for Alloy. Yes, he is the founder of the Northern League who created the party 40 years ago with the aim of being "the union of the North", this time will support a Forza Italia candidate. “Because the League has been betrayed”, is his message to the open polls transmitted via Paolo Grimoldi, spokesperson of the Senatùr.
His support goes to Marco Reguzzoni, former group leader in the Chamber for the Northern League and now candidate with Forza Italia, where another former Northern League member such as Flavio Tosi created Forza Nord, the federalist component of the party led by Antonio Tajani. Bossi explained that the candidacy of Roberto Vannacci it was the straw that broke the camel's back: “Everything but Northern League”, commented the former mayor of Verona.
The Lega-Forza Italia challenge
Reguzzoni responded: “I have never commented on Bossi's statements and I do not intend to do so now. If he gives me his rating, it is a huge satisfaction." Bossi's decision is also the result of the treatment he received in recent months, during which his historical assistants were taken away, leaving him with only one. During the electoral campaign, several Bossi loyalists publicly supported Reguzzoni. Max Bastoni, Lombard regional organizational secretary of Forza Italia, declared: “Today's League has nothing to do with Bossi's Northern League. Forza Italia is the natural home for those who want to carry forward autonomist and federalist ideas. We are happy that Bossi is at our side." Matteo Brigandì, former parliamentarian and lawyer of the League, confirmed the vote indication: “Bossi asked us to vote for Reguzzoni. And we agree because the League is no longer being the League."
Bossi torpedoes Salvini: what happens now?
There is widespread discontent in the League with Matteo Salvini's choices, including the nationalist turn and the candidacy of Roberto Vannacci, a general suspended from the army for his extremist positions. From the governors of the north, such as Luca Zaia, Attilio Fontana and Massimiliano Fedriga, up to Bossi, many express their intolerance.
Today Bossi will vote in Milan and his gesture could have numerous consequences. The statute of the League provides for theexpulsion for those who publicly support another party. Will Salvini, who learned to sail thanks to Bossi's helm, have the courage to throw his old captain overboard?
For Salvini, today's vote could be a watershed, also because of the competition intern to the center-right with Forza Italia for second behind Brothers of Italy. Bossi's move could really change the balance.
