Italy politics in tumult after Northern League head, Berlusconi ally quits in finance scandal
ROME - The once-charismatic head of the Northern League, the anti-immigrant party that for two decades was Silvio Berlusconi's critical ally, has called for his party to do the right thing amid a finance scandal that forced his resignation.
A chastened Umberto Bossi said Friday the League was in a "dangerous" situation, under the spotlight by Rome prosecutors investigating alleged party payments to his family members and under criticism by deceived party faithful.
Bossi was meeting Friday with Roberto Maroni, Berlusconi's onetime interior minister and one of three League officials who have been tapped to guide the party following Bossi's abrupt resignation Thursday.
Bossi blamed "thieving" Rome prosecutors for stirring the scandal, but acknowledged the need for clarity.
