Umberto Bossi was born in 1941. His political path began with sympathy for communism, but in the 1980s his views radically evolved towards the right. This ideological transformation ultimately led him to create his own political grouping.
Founding of the Northern League and the idea of Padania
In 1989, the politician founded the Northern League. From the very beginning, the party focused on radical demands – demanded the separation of the northern part of Italy and the proclamation of the independent Republic of Padania. The movement quickly gained popularity among voters in the wealthier regions of the north who felt economically exploited by the poorer south.
Five years after founding the party, Bossi decided to alliance with Silvio Berlusconi. However, the government coalition of 1994 turned out to be short-lived. Its collapse led to the collapse of the media magnate's first cabinet and had a long-lasting impact on the Italian political scene.
The party gradually changed its program. In 2000 The Northern League officially abandoned separatist demands, focusing on federalism and regional autonomy. Bossi nevertheless remained a key figure in Italian politics.
Career in the government and the further fate of the Northern League
In Berlusconi's subsequent governments, the politician served important ministerial functions. In the second cabinet, he became the Minister of Federal Reforms, and in the third, he headed the Ministry of Institutional Reforms and Decentralization. After him, the party was managed by Roberto Maroni, and then by Matteo Salvini, who reformed the party by removing the word “Northern” from its name.
Politics on social media said goodbye to, among others, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. “Umberto Bossi, with his political passion, initiated an important stage in the history of Italy and made a fundamental contribution to the creation of the first center-right. In this moment of great sadness, I unite in pain with his family and the political community,” wrote the head of government.
