FdI: "Manlio Messina's departure? He didn't give us an official reason."

CATANIA – " Manlio Messina didn't provide a specific reason for his departure, so everyone can form their own opinion. I'm not in a position to provide a definitive version. He hasn't given us an official reason." The controversy surrounding the departure of the former deputy group leader of the Brothers of Italy (FdI) in the Chamber of Deputies, Manlio Messina, from his now former party continues unabated in Sicily. Luca Sbardella , Giorgia Meloni 's representative in Sicily, where the party has been under special administration in recent months, is now speaking out on the sidelines of an event in Catania.

And if Messina's accusation was that he was marginalized , Sbardella's response was immediate: "We're not aware of that." A possible return? "It's always possible. Ours is an open party. We welcome people who have never been with us, so imagine that. If there were to be second thoughts, we'd be happy to accept it."

Regarding the state of the Brothers of Italy party on the island, Sbardella assures us that "it is in excellent health. We remain the leading party in Sicily, obviously without us the negotiation process won't be open. We work daily to keep the center-right united. We just passed an excellent budget plan," he continues, "we are happy with what we were able to achieve in the Sicilian Regional Assembly."

And regarding the corruption and embezzlement investigation involving the president of the Sicilian Regional Assembly , Gaetano Galvagno , Sbardella adds: “We are waiting; the relevant party bodies are dealing with the matter.”