Violent fighting has reportedly broken out in the Italian parliament, forcing a lawmaker to leave the chamber in a wheelchair.
According to Politico, the incident happened on Wednesday during a vote on a controversial government bill that would give more autonomy to Italy's local governments. The incident reportedly began when Leonardo Donno of the Five Star Movement, an opponent of the reforms, shoved an Italian flag in the face of Regional Government Minister Roberto Calderoli.
The video then shows two House of Representatives members trying to stop the pair, but other members joined the fight, with one of them seen punching Mr Dono.
“I received a lot of kicks and a very hard punch to the sternum, I couldn't breathe and collapsed,” Dono was quoted as telling local media by Politico.
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Clashes broke out in the Italian parliament on Wednesday during a vote on a government bill. (Reuters/Giuseppe Conte via Facebook)
He was eventually carried from the scene in a wheelchair, according to Reuters.
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The fight started when one Italian lawmaker thrust an Italian flag in another's face. (Reuters/Giuseppe Conte via Facebook)
“I'm speechless,” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Sky TG24 after the brawl.
“To solve political problems, we need to set a new example, not by punching,” he said. “Not by boasting, not by yelling, but by explaining ideas well to persuade voters.”
The fight escalated quickly in the Italian parliament on Wednesday. (Reuters/Giuseppe Conte via Facebook)
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Debate on the bill is reportedly set to continue on Thursday.
Greg Norman is a reporter for Fox News Digital.