European parliament Eurosceptic group expels Italian for racism

An Italian member of the European Parliament was expelled from the Eurosceptic Europe of Freedom and Democracy group yesterday for what its co-leader called “repugnant” racist remarks towards a black minister in Italy’s government.

Mario Borghezio, an EFD member from Italy's pro-devolution Northern League, has a history of outspoken and racist remarks, but his latest comments were too much for the group, which said it had kicked him out by a majority vote.

In April, Mr Borghezio attacked the appointment of Cécile Kyenge, who originates from Democratic Republic of Congo, as Italy’s integration minister, saying she wanted to impose her country’s “tribal traditions” on Italy.

“This is the government of Bonga Bonga,” he said in a radio interview, in an apparent play on the so-called “bunga bunga” parties of former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. Mr Borghezio added that “Africa hasn’t produced great geniuses as anyone can see from a Mickey Mouse encyclopaedia,” and called on Ms Kyenge to condemn polygamy.

UK Independence Party leader and EFD group co-president Nigel Farage said in a statement: “I made it clear at the last Europe of Freedom and Democracy Group meeting that unless Mr Borghezio was expelled that Ukip would leave the group.

“Mr Borghezio has now been expelled for his repugnant comments. We have sent out an unmistakable signal that racist comments are unacceptable.”

Mr Borghezio remains an MEP for the Northern League but will lose some rights in terms of speaking time now that he is outside the parliament’s seven main political groupings.– (Reuters)