Umberto Bossi, the founder of the Lega, died in Varese. Speaking on Radio Libertà, party leader Matteo Salvini paid tribute and described Bossi as the origin of the movement that brought many of them together.
A legacy Salvini calls sizeable
Salvini said that everyone in the party is where they are thanks to Bossi's idea. He described Bossi's inheritance as substantial and not only political. According to Salvini, it is a moral and spiritual legacy, tied to a style of fight: do not give up, and if you fall you get back up.
Identity, federalism and a European angle
In the radio interview Salvini connected the party's regional and federal aims with a broader European stance. He argued that being identity-focused and federalist within Italy logically means defending national sovereignty in Europe. He added that institutions in Brussels are trying to strip power away from regions, municipalities and nation states by removing budgets, responsibilities and choices. For Salvini, combining Italian autonomism with European sovereignism is both necessary and expected.
The party Bossi helped build
Salvini acknowledged Bossi as the founder of the Lega and pointed out that Bossi kept his party membership active over the years. He used the adjective gagliarda to describe the party Bossi wanted, a word he said Bossi liked, meaning energetic and determined. Salvini called the party strong, growing and often left to stand alone against others, and said that history has made the group tougher both mentally and physically.
Silence now, a public gathering soon
Salvini described the day as one for silence, respect, family and community. He also highlighted a planned public event a month away. Details he gave include:
- Date: Saturday 18 April
- Place: Piazza del Duomo, Milan, under the Madonnina
- Theme: freedom and identity, organized by the Lega and a group of European patriots
Salvini said the party will use a phrase associated with Bossi and that members will attend the Milan event in memory of Umberto Bossi.
