EU Commission condemns fascist symbolism, does not mention Meloni’s party

5 months ago 20

European Commission spokesperson Eric Mamer condemned on Monday the use of fascist symbolism, but he avoided mentioning the ongoing investigation into the youth movement of the hard-right party Fratelli d’Italia of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a likely ally to Ursula von der Leyen in her quest to for a second term as Commission president.

Fanpage has launched an investigation into the youth wing of Fratelli d’Italia (FdI), revealing undercover footage of Roman salutes, young people praising Mussolini, and chanting fascist slogans, but the European Commission has so far remained silent.

“The European Commission and President Ursula von der Leyen’s stance on fascist symbolism is very clear: We do not believe it is appropriate, we condemn it, we think it is morally wrong. We are very clear on this,” Mamer said at a press briefing on Monday.

While condemning activities that revive fascist symbols, the Commission spokesperson avoided directly commenting on Fratelli d’Italia and its leader Meloni.

“The ‘deeds’ of the FdI youth have reached Brussels. Now Meloni should say and do something. It’s time that ‘all’ Rai news programmes also notice Fanpage’s investigation,” wrote Nicola Fratoianni, national secretary of the Italian Left party, on X, referring to the fact that public broadcaster Rai, unlike all the major media, has not covered the investigation.

The day after the Fanpage investigation was aired, opposition parties Democratic Party (PD), the Five Star Movement (M5S), and the Green-Left Alliance presented inquiries to the government, demanding a report to parliament.

“From Giorgia Meloni and her party members, only incomprehensible silence,” they said.

On her part, Meloni has yet to comment.

The Fanpage investigation also showed ECR co-president and FdI MEP Nicola Procaccini greeting another man by grasping his forearm, a gesture known as the ‘gladiator salute’, which has been common in far-right circles for decades.

“There is no possible normalisation of the right in Europe; these shocking images remind us of the unforgivable past of those who still praise fascism, racism, and intolerance,” said Iratxe Garcia Perez, president of the S&D group, reacting to Procaccini’s “fascist salute” on X.

“I was too close to someone. One of us grabbed the bicep, he grabbed my elbow,” said Procaccini, who denied the allegation and said he would sue Garcia Perez for defamation.

(Alessia Peretti | Euractiv.it)