In Rome, massive demonstrations against immigration: far-right march and counter-protests

Thousands of people marched through the streets of Rome on Saturday in opposing demonstrations on the issue of migration, marked on one side by a march of far-right groups demanding the expulsion of migrants, and on the other by two counter-demonstrations organized in other parts of the Italian capital.

In the Prati district, several thousand participants gathered behind banners bearing the slogans "Remigration" and "Reconquest." The demonstrators, mostly from far-right groups, waved Italian flags, sang the national anthem, and chanted anti-immigrant and anti-Islam slogans. Some also used the term "Duce," associated with the former fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.

During the march, several speakers denounced immigrant integration policies, calling them costly and ineffective. The speeches asserted that these programs represent significant expenses for the state without any real integration of the populations concerned. Some participants also made gestures resembling the "Roman salute," a gesture historically associated with fascism.

The demonstration coincided with a political event organized in Rome by former general Roberto Vannacci, a controversial figure of the Italian radical right. At a congress of his party, he defended a nationalist line asserting that "Italy belongs to Italians" and emphasizing the country's "Roman and Christian" roots.

In response, two counter-demonstrations were organized in other areas of Rome. The first, starting from the Colosseum, brought together left-wing groups, trade unions and student organizations to denounce the rise of the far right and the rhetoric associated with the "Remigration" march.

A second demonstration, bringing together students and migrants, marched from the Verano cemetery to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. The protesters denounced the migration policies of the coalition government led by Giorgia Meloni as well as the presence of figures from the radical right in the public debate.

This march was also accompanied by criticism of Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. Upon arriving at the ministry, protesters expressed their opposition to government policies on immigration and security.

Authorities deployed a significant security force, with approximately 2,000 officers mobilized throughout the city. Despite political tensions, the various demonstrations proceeded without major incidents, according to initial reports.