Members of the youth organization of Brothers of Italy, the party led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have been caught on video making racist and anti-Semitic remarks and expressing fascist sentiments. These revelations have put Meloni in a difficult position as she has attempted to soften her party's far-right image since coming to power.
The digital portal Fanpage uncovered chat conversations and images showing members of Juventud Nacional, the youth wing of Meloni's party, declaring themselves as 'fascists and racists,' mocking Jews, and chanting hymns in favor of dictator Benito Mussolini. Some members even work as assistants to Meloni's deputies, highlighting the deep-rooted issues within the party.
Elisa Segnini, chief secretary to deputy Ylenia Lucaselli, was recorded boasting about her racist and fascist views. Flaminia Pace, president of the National Youth section in Rome, mocked Senator Ester Mieli for being Jewish and the daughter of a Holocaust survivor. Shortly after these images were published, Pace resigned for 'personal reasons.'
The president of the Senate, Ignazio La Russa, condemned the attacks on Mieli as 'unacceptable sentences' and emphasized that such language goes against the party's values of democracy, freedom, and human dignity. Giovanni Donzelli, the organizational director of Brothers of Italy, also stated that there is no room for racists, extremists, and anti-Semites in the party.
Opposition leaders have criticized Meloni's silence on the issue. Francesco Boccia of the Democratic Party demanded that Meloni clarify her position, stating that the party cannot harbor those who refer to Mussolini and espouse anti-Semitic and racist views. Simona Malpezzi also called for clear and unambiguous statements from Meloni, urging her to expel extremist elements within the party.
The 5 Star Movement and +Europe have also condemned Meloni's silence, with leaders stating that the investigation has revealed the fascist undercurrents within Brothers of Italy. Matteo Renzi from Italia Viva expressed concern over the growing climate of anti-Semitism within extremist groups across Europe.
The Jewish community in Rome has condemned the racist and anti-Semitic images and expressed solidarity with Senator Mieli. The community has called for appropriate actions to be taken against those responsible, emphasizing the need for society and institutions to stand against all forms of hatred and discrimination.
- The Italian investigative website Fanpage.it played a crucial role in uncovering the scandal by infiltrating the youth movement's events and documenting their activities. The investigation revealed young members chanting 'Zig Heil!' and expressing nostalgia for fascist figures like Mussolini.
- Following the revelations, two senior women in the youth movement, including Flaminia Pace, resigned. Elisa Segnini, another member who resigned, admitted that the party 'never stopped being a racist and fascist party,' a stark contrast to Meloni's efforts to rebrand the party.
- The president of the Jewish community in Rome, Victor Padalon, has called for decisive actions against the individuals involved and has urged the Brothers of Italy party to respond forcefully against all forms of hatred and discrimination.
- Despite the mounting pressure, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has yet to publicly condemn the findings of the investigation, leading to further criticism from opposition leaders and the public.
