Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has called on leaders of her political party, Brothers of Italy, to reject antisemitism, racism, and nostalgia for totalitarian regimes after members of the party’s youth section were caught on hidden camera glorifying fascism. The undercover report, released in two parts last month by Italian news outlet Fanpage.it, showed members of the youth movement performing fascist salutes, praising Benito Mussolini, and making racist and antisemitic comments.
Meloni, who has worked to distance her party from its fascist roots, expressed anger and disappointment at the behavior of some members of the youth group. Despite her efforts to present a modern and pragmatic image, the report revealed that elements of Italy’s darker past still linger within the party.
The prime minister emphasized that there is no room in the party for those who promote a narrative that goes against their values. She reminded party leaders of their adherence to the European Parliament’s resolution condemning all 20th-century dictatorships and stressed that she has no intention of deviating from this position.
Following the report, two members of the youth section, Elisa Segnini, and Flaminia Pace, resigned from their official roles but were not expelled from the movement. Meloni’s spokeswoman confirmed that there have been no further resignations or expulsions, for now. The party has faced criticism from lawmakers on the left for idealizing fascist figures and perpetuating a narrative that contradicts the broader societal values in Italy.
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