Resurgence of fascism in Italy: A shadow of the past or a current threat?

The shadowy shadow of fascism seemed to be relegated to the past in Italy, a past marked by the brutal dictatorship of Benito Mussolini and his followers. However, in recent times, the presence of movements and attitudes linked to fascism has resurfaced in a worrying way in Italian society, raising uncomfortable questions about the country's true political nature. The most prominent case is the Brothers of Italy party, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose roots lie in post-war fascism. Despite claiming that her movement has evolved and distanced itself from its extremist origins, doubts persist about whether they have truly moved far enough away from an authoritarian and xenophobic ideology. The recent resurgence of commemorations and events evoking fascism, such as the Roman salute in tribute to a far-right student who was killed, has caused concern both in Italy and abroad. Is Italy truly reconciled with its dark past? Is what was once considered extreme now becoming normalized? Journalist Paolo Berizzi, who has lived under police protection due to threats from extremist groups, warns that fascism did not die in 1945, but rather continues to linger in the mindset of many Italians. This persistent legacy is reflected in movements like Forza Nuova, which advocate for radical anti-immigration and pro-Russia policies, and whose violent actions and fascist symbolism are cause for concern. The ambiguity in the application of the law in Italy regarding the fascist salute and the glorification of fascist leaders and symbols raises a dilemma about the true stance of the state towards these manifestations. While in countries like Germany, the fascist salute is punishable by imprisonment, in Italy, judicial interpretation has allowed its use, contributing to the proliferation of these gestures. The reconfiguration of Meloni's political rhetoric, who has softened her positions and adopted a discourse more aligned with the European right, raises questions about whether her party has truly abandoned its fascist roots or simply adapted its message to garner more political support. Her reluctance to completely reject the fascist heritage, as evidenced by the use of slogans from the fascist era, fuels doubts about her true intentions. In this context, Italian society finds itself at a crossroads, where the fight against the resurgence of fascism intertwines with the need to preserve democracy and the fundamental values of peaceful coexistence and tolerance. The unanimous condemnation of fascist demonstrations and the demand for greater clarity from authorities about their stance on these acts are seen as necessary steps to prevent the shadow of fascism from spreading throughout the country. Ultimately, the challenge for Italy lies in facing its past with courage and determination, reaffirming its commitment to democracy and human rights. History cannot be ignored or manipulated; only by confronting the shadows of the past can a future based on justice, equality, and freedom for all citizens be built. The lessons of history are there, waiting to be learned and remembered to prevent the ghosts of the past from returning to haunt the present.