An advertising campaign equating Giorgia Meloni with Mussolini sparks a heated controversy in Italy

Large posters installed in several Italian train stations, comparing the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni The references to the former fascist dictator Benito Mussolini sparked political controversy and a strong reaction on social media. The campaign, quickly accused of provocation, was partially withdrawn but continues to generate debate.

These advertisements, visible particularly in the train stations of Rome and Milan, adopt an aesthetic and typography reminiscent of fascist propaganda from the 1930s. They use the phrase "When she was there…", often used ironically or nostalgically by some admirers of Mussolini to evoke supposedly more efficient periods, particularly in rail transport.

One of the posters, since removed, displayed the phrase "When she was there, the trains were late," a reference to recurring criticisms of the punctuality of the Italian rail network. The advertising company operating the stations justified its removal by claiming that the content damaged the reputation of the railway system.

Other posters from the same campaign remain visible. They address topics such as taxes, inflation, and the prospects for young Italians in a sarcastic tone. The campaign is being led by the small opposition party Italia Viva, headed by former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, as part of a public relations and fundraising effort.

The campaign is perceived by its critics as a direct attack on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, due to implicit references to her political past and the ideological origins of her party. Some accuse it of exploiting historical symbols that are particularly sensitive in the country.

According to reports from consumer associations, a significant number of high-speed trains in Italy have recently experienced delays, an argument used by the campaign to criticize the government's handling of the situation. Despite the tensions, the controversy primarily serves to boost the visibility of the small party behind the posters, which is at the heart of a highly polarized political debate.