Rome: Thousands demonstrate over immigration policy, new right-wing party founded

Rome was the scene of significant political activity on Saturday, with thousands participating in a demonstration advocating for stricter immigration policies. Simultaneously, a counter-demonstration in another part of the city drew tens of thousands of participants, highlighting a deep societal divide.

The pro-immigration policy demonstration, organized by a right-wing citizens' initiative, saw approximately 3,000 people march through the city. They carried a banner reading "Remigration and Reconquest" and demanded the forced return of migrants to their home countries. Some protesters chanted "Duce! Duce!," a reference to former Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, and displayed fascist salutes. Far-right and neo-fascist groups, including Casapound, were present. Luca Marsella, a Casapound spokesperson, stated, "We want to throw out the illegal immigrants because they shouldn't be here. And because we are not politically correct, we also say that we want to send home the legal immigrants who have clearly not adapted or integrated."

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We want to throw out the illegal immigrants because they shouldn't be here. And because we are not politically correct, we also say that we want to send home the legal immigrants who have clearly not adapted or integrated.

In contrast, a large-scale, migration-friendly demonstration took place in a different district, drawing tens of thousands. This event included various left-wing groups and trade unions. A significant police presence was deployed to keep the two opposing groups separated.

The day also marked the founding congress of Futuro Nazionale, a new right-wing party. Party leader Roberto Vannacci, a former general and Member of the European Parliament, declared at a press conference, "If it were up to me, no one should be allowed to enter Italy" and "Italy for Italians!". The party, which reportedly has ties to Germany's AfD, currently polls around four percent. Vannacci had earlier left the Lega party due to disputes over political direction.

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If it were up to me, no one should be allowed to enter Italy and Italy for Italians!