The debate about fascism in Italy: a shadow of the past or a looming threat for the future?

In Italy, the ghost of fascism seems to have not completely faded away, despite the years that have passed since the fall of Benito Mussolini's regime. The scene of a thousand men lined up in military formation, giving fascist salutes in honor of a far-right student murdered almost half a century ago, leads us to question whether fascism is truly a thing of the past in the transalpine country, as current Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni claims. The Italian government, led by the Brothers of Italy party, has been at the center of this debate, as it has roots in post-war fascism. Despite Meloni's attempts to distance herself from the far right and its more radical rhetoric, some fear that her movement has not completely detached from its political origins. The presence of extremist groups like Forza Nuova, who advocate for a complete halt to immigration and show sympathy for authoritarian figures like Putin, adds a layer of complexity to this situation. Journalist Paolo Berizzi, who has lived under police protection due to threats from extremist groups, points out that Italy has not managed to reconcile with its fascist past. Despite the prohibition of Mussolini's fascist party in the post-war Constitution, the movement continued in different forms, such as the Italian Social Movement. Meloni's ambivalent stance, who has praised Mussolini in the past and has maintained certain fascist symbols in her party, generates controversy. Although she has softened her rhetoric and aligned herself with the dominant European right on issues such as immigration and the defense of national sovereignty, critics argue that her political heritage is still present in her discourse and actions. The emergence of extremist groups like Forza Nuova, with more radical ideologies and sympathies for authoritarian regimes, raises questions about the extent to which these currents are being legitimized in Italian society. Fascist salutes at demonstrations and the glorification of controversial historical figures like Mussolini fuel the debate about the normalization of fascism in the country. The lack of a unanimous condemnation of these gestures and symbols by Italian authorities, as well as the tolerance towards revisionist speeches and conspiracy theories, raise concerns among those who defend democracy and human rights. The question of whether fascism is still latent in Italian society, at a time when the far right is gaining ground in Europe, becomes increasingly urgent. The call from the deputy mayor of Bologna, Emily Clancy, not to get used to these episodes and to address the seriousness of the situation, reflects the concern of many sectors of Italian society. The fight against fascism and the far right, who try to find scapegoats for people's difficulties, is a constant challenge that requires unity and firmness. In a context where right-wing parties in other parts of Europe look to Italy as an example, how the legacy of fascism and the presence of extremist groups are addressed will be crucial for the country's political future. Italy's recent history and its struggle to reconcile with a past marked by repression and intolerance remind us that vigilance and the defense of democratic values are essential to prevent fascism from resurfacing in any form.