Italy's PD leader criticizes PM Meloni over antifascism comments

Democratic Party Secretary Elly Schlein has sharply criticized Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, questioning her silence on a neo-fascist leader's recent statement about storming parliament. Schlein expressed bewilderment that Meloni would address antifascism at a book fair while remaining quiet on such a serious threat.

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I wonder if it is normal that the Prime Minister yesterday, in front of a demonstration where the leader of the neo-fascists said he was ready to storm Parliament, did not say a word and this morning woke up attacking antifascism.

Schlein pointed out the perceived disparity in Meloni's reactions, noting that the Prime Minister has commented on book fair choices and antifascism requirements for exhibitors. However, Schlein highlighted that Meloni has not similarly reacted to more grave incidents, such as stickers distinguishing Italian-owned shops from those run by foreigners or the creation of 'proscription lists' targeting professors deemed not aligned with certain views.

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Also Giorgia Meloni swore an oath to the Constitution and the Constitution is antifascist. In guaranteeing freedom of manifestation of thought, it does not consider fascism an opinion, but bans it.

"Giorgia Meloni also swore an oath to the Constitution, and the Constitution is antifascist," Schlein stated. She emphasized that while the constitution guarantees freedom of thought, it does not consider fascism a mere opinion but explicitly bans it. Schlein reminded that Italy's constitution was drafted by those who fought in the Resistance to liberate the country from fascist rule and Nazi occupation.

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We live in a country that has a Constitution written by those who fought in the Resistance to free us from the fascist regime and Nazi occupation.

Schlein also addressed divisions within the right-wing coalition, suggesting that her party has been working to unite the progressive camp over the past three years. She characterized recent statements by Roberto Vannacci as recycled slogans from Meloni and Salvini. Schlein linked these sentiments to Italy's economic performance, citing a 35-month consecutive decline in industrial production during the current government's tenure. She also sarcastically predicted that Vannacci might promise to abolish fuel taxes, only to do the opposite, mirroring past political tactics.

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Finally, we are talking about the divisions of the right because in these three years we have united the progressive camp.