Italy: Minister Likened To Orangutan

A leading senator has likened Italy's first black minister to an orangutan, setting off a political storm.

Cecile Kyenge, an Italian citizen born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was named minister for integration in April.

Roberto Calderoli, a senior politician with the Northern League party, said during a rally: "I love animals - bears and wolves, as everyone knows - but when I see the pictures of Kyenge I cannot but think - even if I'm not saying she is one – of the features of an orangutan."

He said she should be a minister "in her own country", according to media reports.

The racist slur drew immediate outrage.

Prime Minister Enrico Letta called the words "unacceptable".

In a statement on Twitter, Mr Letta said: "They go beyond all limits. Full solidarity and support to Cecile. Forward with your and our work."

Others called on Mr Calderoli, who is deputy speaker of the Senate, to step down.

Mr Calderoli initially tried to play down the row by saying he was joking.

But he eventually bowed to pressure, saying he had called the minister to apologise.

A veteran politician, Mr Calderoli is not new to controversy.

In 2006, he was forced to resign as reform minister after displaying a T-shirt mocking the Prophet Mohammed during a state news broadcast.

The same year, after Italy won the World Cup, he made racist comments about the multi-racial French team.

Ms Kyenge has been the subject of repeated racist taunts from far-right groups since her appointment.

The Northern League is known for its anti-immigrant position. In the past it has been a partner of Silvio Berlusconi’s People of Freedom party.