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Lombardy Council Censures Undersecretary Picchi Over Anti‑Vax Post

A secret‑ballot rebuke exposed dissent inside the ruling coalition following failed interventions by national FdI figures.

Overview

  • The Regional Council approved a PD motion against Federica Picchi by 44 votes to 23 in a secret ballot.
  • Opposition parties cited her Instagram share of content featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that they labeled anti‑vaccine and at odds with regional health policy.
  • PD leaders said the result relied on 19 rogue votes from the center‑right, highlighting weaknesses in coalition discipline.
  • Arianna Meloni and Giovanni Donzelli met FdI councillors to rally support, but their mediation did not prevent the censure.
  • The final decision on removing Picchi from the post rests with President Attilio Fontana, as center‑right figures decried the move as a political attack on free expression.