Tens of thousands of people marched through the streets of Rome in anti- and pro-migration demonstrations on Saturday, after a far-right citizens initiative seeking sweeping measures against migrants garnered enough support to be brought to Italy's parliament. The "Remigration and Reconquest" initiative gathered the 50,000 signatures needed to trigger parliamentary discussion, pushing the once-fringe concept of "remigration" into the political mainstream, the AP reports. The proposal promoted by right-wing groups calls for sweeping measures against foreigners, including coercive returns, incentives to leave the country, and broader policies that critics contend could extend to legal residents.
Several thousand demonstrators from around Italy gathered for the anti-migration march, singing the national anthem. On several occasions, many of them raised their arms in the fascist salute, shouting "Duce! Duce!" in reference to dictator Benito Mussolini, who ruled Italy from 1922 to 1943. A rival, pro-migration demonstration saw tens of thousands of people take to the streets in another part of Rome on Saturday evening. That march was attended by various left-wing groups and trade unions, with some demonstrators waving Palestinian flags. Thousands of police were deployed to ensure the two groups would remain apart. No violence was reported.
The debate on migration represents a balancing act for Premier Giorgia Meloni's right-wing coalition. While the anti-migration League has backed opening discussion, Meloni's Brothers of Italy and centrist allies have been more cautious about endorsing a proposal linked to extremist circles in the face of concerns over legal risks and internal divisions. Opponents, including rival parties and legal experts, argue the proposal would violate constitutional and international anti-discrimination principles by targeting people based on ethnic background, including naturalized citizens and their descendants. A vote on the measure has not been scheduled.
,
uBlock 
,
and
Ghostery 
)
