Bossi's funeral in Pontida amid controversies and protests: "Salvini drop the green shirt"

“Bossi's legacy is a betrayed one. I hope that today can be a starting point for that people of the League who no longer recognize themselves in the centralist politics of this new party, which is something else. A very sad day but also one of hope.” This is stated by Roberto Castelli, promoter of the People's Party of the North, in the courtyard of the San Giacomo monastery, in Pontida, where at noon the funeral of Umberto Bossi began. “There is a northern question that needs to be taken up with more vigor - Castelli adds - Salvini's League is not the League that is seen here today, it is something else. It has kept the name, but only that.”

Salvini was greeted by a chorus of protest. “Drop the green shirt, shame.” This was the phrase shouted at the current leader of the League by the militants of the People's Party for the North, promoted by Roberto Castelli. In fact, the leader of the League appeared at Umberto Bossi's funeral wearing a green shirt. As Salvini climbed the steps of the abbey, some militants present in the square chanted, “Bossi, Bossi.” Some also shouted “shame.”

“Secession, secession,” was the cry chanted by League militants in the square of the San Giacomo abbey in Pontida upon the arrival of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The President of the Council, who arrived with Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, was greeted with some applause before entering the church.

Among those present at the funeral were, among others, the Presidents of the Senate and the Chamber, Ignazio La Russa and Lorenzo Fontana, and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, along with ministers and regional presidents. A large screen was set up in the square to watch the live broadcast of the ceremony.