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Matteo Salvini called ‘handicappato’ in political controversy
On 28 July 2026 Maurizio Bufi, a provincial organiser for Azione in Terni, posted on X calling vice‑premier Matteo Salvini “handicappato”. Salvini responded on the same platform, condemning the use of disability as an insult and saying it disrespects millions of people with disabilities. The Lega party in Terni denounced Bufi’s comment and called for his expulsion from Azione. Carlo Calenda, secretary of Azione, issued an apology on behalf of the party, described the term as morally wrong and suggested alternative adjectives such as “inepto”, “ignorante”, “incapace”, “inadatto” and “inutile”. Bufi later apologised personally and stepped down from his organisational role. The episode sparked a broader debate in Italy about respectful language in politics and the use of disability‑related terminology.
Entities
Azione · Carlo Calenda · Lega · Matteo Salvini · Maurizio Bufi
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 8 SOURCES] The incident sparked broader debate in Italy about respectful language in politics and the use of disability‑related terminology. www.adginforma.it · www.adnkronos.com · www.forchecaudine.com · mantovauno.it · www.sudefuturi.it · +3 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] Matteo Salvini responded on X condemning the use of disability as an insult. www.adginforma.it · www.adnkronos.com · www.forchecaudine.com · mantovauno.it · www.sudefuturi.it · +3 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] Salvini said the insult affects millions of people with disabilities. www.adginforma.it · www.adnkronos.com · www.forchecaudine.com · mantovauno.it · www.sudefuturi.it · +3 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] Carlo Calenda, secretary of Azione, issued an apology on behalf of the party for using the term. www.forchecaudine.com · mantovauno.it · www.sudefuturi.it · www.adginforma.it · www.adnkronos.com · +3 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The post by Bufi was made on 28 July 2026. www.adginforma.it
- [● 8 SOURCES] Maurizio Bufi posted on X calling Matteo Salvini 'handicappato'. www.forchecaudine.com · mantovauno.it · www.sudefuturi.it · www.adginforma.it · www.adnkronos.com · +3 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Calenda suggested alternative adjectives such as “inepto”, “ignorante”, “incapace”, “inadatto”, “inutile”. www.forchecaudine.com · mantovauno.it · www.sudefuturi.it · www.adnkronos.com · www.vetrinatv.it · +2 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Lega party in Terni condemned Bufi's comment and called for his expulsion from Azione. www.adginforma.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Maurizio Bufi personally apologised and removed his role as provincial organiser for Azione in Terni. www.adginforma.it