Rome, July 8 (IANS/AKI) An opposition politician was admitted to hospital here after a heated debate on funding new youth centres turned violent in the lower house of the Italian parliament.
Italy of Values leader Franco Barbato was left with a bruised and bloody eye Wednesday, allegedly after being punched in the face.
‘My right eye was hurt. I was struck from behind and so I don’t know who injured me. I was surrounded by MPs, who the ushers tried unsuccessfully to hold back,’ said Barbato.
During the brawl, a member of the ruling conservative People of Freedom party, Maurizio Bianconi, was reportedly heard screaming at Barbato: ‘You piece of sh*t’.
The brawl broke out as members were debating youth minister Giorgia Meloni’s bill, and Barbato, accused her of pushing the bill to advance her own political agenda.
‘This is a very serious incident. I am referring it to the speaker’s office and to the whips,’ said acting speaker, Rosy Bindi, who suspended the parliamentary session.
