Umberto Bossi, one of the most important figures in Italian politics in recent decades and founder of the Lega Nord, has died at the age of 84. Bossi had a long and distinguished political career, serving as a minister, senator, deputy and MEP. He founded the Lega Lombarda movement in 1984, which later became the Lega Nord, one of the main political forces in Italy. He held the post of federal secretary of the party until 2012.
During his political career, Bossi was noted for promoting federalism and autonomy for the northern regions of Italy, being one of the leading figures of this political project. He also served as Minister for Federalism Reform and played a key role in the formation of governing coalitions, including the collaboration with Forza Italia in 1994 and the creation of Casa delle Libertà in 2001.
In 2012, after more than two decades at the helm of the party, he resigned following the electoral reimbursement scandal, known as the Belsito Scandal. He was subsequently embroiled in legal proceedings for misuse of public funds and in 2018 was convicted of financial misconduct.
Despite stepping down from the party leadership, Bossi remained active in politics, participating in various elections. In the 2022 parliamentary elections, he was re-elected as an MP, being one of the oldest representatives in office.
Umberto Bossi leaves behind an important legacy in Italian political life, being remembered as a key figure in the development of the debate on federalism and regional autonomy in Italy.
