Bologna, July 22, 2026 – “The Municipality of Bologna denies authorization for the Fratelli d’Italia stand scheduled for today in via d’Azeglio, at the corner with via Farini”. This is the complaint from FdI Bologna about the event that will take place this afternoon from 6 PM to 8 PM. “We will still be present in via d’Azeglio, at the corner with via Farini – the ‘meloniani’ (referring to Fratelli d’Italia members) write in a note -. In full compliance with the rules, there will be no gazebos or stands, but we will still be among the people, with our heads held high, to collect signatures for the resignation of Mayor Lepore”.
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For FdI, “in addition to the damage of an incomprehensible decision totally outside democratic principles, there is also the mockery: on one hand, Fratelli d’Italia, which yesterday, as always, regularly communicated the holding of a political demonstration with gazebos and stands, communicating everything to the Police Headquarters and following the rules; on the other hand, the Municipality of Bologna led by Mayor Matteo Lepore, who only a few days ago called a demonstration even before having made the preventive communication to the Police Headquarters and Prefecture”. Lepore, therefore, “denies FdI the right to demonstrate freely in full compliance with the laws,” concludes FdI.
The opposition in chorus: “Lepore must resign”
The alleged “political responsibilities” of Lepore are precisely the core of the controversy. Indeed, the mayor’s resignation has been requested by several parties.
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The Lega, with Undersecretary Lucia Borgonzoni, has filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and a motion of no confidence: “The mayor called a demonstration, and this turned into what everyone could see: it should be assessed whether there are criminal or administrative grounds for a public administrator to do these things and go unpunished”. The Carroccio (referring to Lega) also wants to reintroduce a law to make those who organize demonstrations pay for the damages.
Even Forza Italia has no doubts: “Lepore acts as an activist, not a mayor – say the ‘azzurri’ (referring to Forza Italia members) in the Region –. An act of responsibility is needed, the city belongs to everyone”. Less obvious is the attack from Azione, with leader Carlo Calenda: “By the grace of God, no one died, but Lepore must resign”. And then he attacks Schlein’s silence on the matter. Speaking are Senator Marco Lombardo and Elisabetta Gualmini, former Pd MEP, also indicated as a possible anti-Lepore competitor in ’27: “Was it worth dividing the city?”
