Italy: Mayor sets up 'gun fund' for residents

Gianluca Buonanno defended his "gun bonus" against criticism on Italian television on Wednesday

A mayor in northern Italy is setting up a fund to provide residents with cash if they want to buy a gun, it's reported.

Gianluca Buonanno is promising locals in the town of Borgosesia, in the northern Piedmont region, 250 euros ($284; £184) towards the cost of a firearm, La Repubblica website reports. Mr Buonanno, a member of the the right-wing Northern League party and also an MEP, says the cash - dubbed the "gun bonus" - represents about 30% of the cost of a gun. His announcement comes in the wake of a debate over self defence laws in Italy, after allegations that a pensioner shot dead an intruder in his home near Milan on Monday night. Police have now launched a voluntary manslaughter investigation, according to La Stampa.

"I want to increase the defence capability and security of my fellow citizens," Mr Buonanno says, adding that he's tired of seeing homeowners end up in court for using force against intruders. "I say better cemeteries full of criminals than empty prisons." Private gun ownership is strictly regulated in Italy through a variety of licences. Buyers face a mandatory criminal background check, and must present a medical certificate to show they don't have any mental health problems.

Mr Buonanno is known for his headline-grabbing comments and appearances. As an Italian MP in 2014, he "blacked up" before delivering an anti-immigration speech, and last month he appeared on the floor of the European Parliament wearing an Angela Merkel mask.

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