Posted 1/11/2024, 8:44:33 PM
Meloni Under Pressure to Condemn Far-Right Supporters' Fascist Salutes in Italy
- Video shows right-wing supporters giving fascist salutes at event in Rome, putting pressure on Italian PM Giorgia Meloni to condemn it
- Meloni has fascist roots but positioned herself as moderate; her silence on salutes seen as embarrassing and hostage to her past
- Laws banning fascist symbols loosely enforced in Italy, but demands higher for Meloni as PM leading G7 nation
- Meloni's party claims youth wing held separate event, but she faces scrutiny for not disavowing groups at fascist salute rally
- Incident risks damaging Meloni's mainstream image abroad she cultivates; critics say she must speak out to distance government from fringe