Links controversy

THE Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, the leader of the most right‐wing government since the Second World War, joined Italians in commemorating National Liberation Day on Tuesday, April 25. The annual event marks the end of fascism and Nazi occupation in 1945, but this year’s celebrations were marked by controversy. The Senate Speaker, Ignazio La Russa, a collector of fascist memorabilia, was criticised for saying there was “no reference to anti‐fascism in the Italian constitution.”

La Russa’s links to Italy’s fascist past, including his home adorned with busts and mini‐statues of Benito Mussolini, have caused controversy in the past. Meloni has refused to condemn him, but tried to distance herself from fascism.

The Prime Minister has sought to brand herself as a credible leader in Europe, but her efforts to display a moderate stance have been challenged by outspoken members of her party, in‐cluding her brother‐in‐law, who was accused of white supremacy.

National Liberation Day is meant to bring Italians together, but Meloni has some way to go to make it a moment of ‘redis‐covered national harmony’, as she said she wishes it to be.