The Rise of Right-Wing Hate and Extremist Groups in Italy

Last week, the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism (GPAHE) released a report detailing 13 right-wing extremist and hate groups in Italy. Notably, this report includes the “Brothers of Italy” party, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Out of the profiled groups, 11 openly express their anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ positions. This fact is alarming, reflecting how anti-LGBTQ+ hatred and racist, nationalist anti-immigrant rhetoric have permeated mainstream Italian politics. This phenomenon, unfortunately, is not unique to Italy and can be observed in other countries, such as the United States.

Five of these groups are political parties with representation in the Italian parliament, including the aforementioned “Brothers of Italy” and “Lega per Salvini Premier”. Both propagate polarizing messages, which is especially concerning when considering that major political parties are disseminating the same hate messages as extremist groups.

A crucial part of this scenario is conspiracy theories and their international connections. Immigrants, refugees, and the LGBTQ+ community have been continually targeted by this extremism in Italy. In their journey, many immigrants, mainly from the North African coast, face the dangerous “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory, claiming a plan to replace the European population. This theory has fostered an increasingly unwelcoming environment for immigrants. In terms of LGBTQ+ rights, Italy ranks 24th among 27 EU countries, a concerning position.

GPAHE’s research also reveals international connections between Italian groups and others around the world. Giorgia Meloni, for example, has close ties with far-right groups like the US-based World Congress of Families, known for its anti-LGBTQ+ stances. She and other party members have participated in the American CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference). Matteo Salvini, from Lega, has connections with the Portuguese far-right party, Chega!. There are also collaborations between Italian and French groups and the connection of CasaPound with the Greek neo-Nazi party, Golden Dawn.

The growth of such extremist groups is alarming. As the GPAHE report highlights, right-wing extremist movements inspire terrorist acts, mass killings, and rights-restricting policies worldwide. Moreover, these movements are increasingly interconnected internationally. Community safety and democracies are at stake. It’s essential that people, both locally and globally, understand this extremist landscape, its operation, and its connections to counter the threats they pose. Reports like GPAHE’s are fundamental in this process.