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In Italy, the Stench of Fascism is Increasingly Strong: Lessons from Türkiye
The
stench of fascism
wafting through its streets. As Europe struggles to come to terms with the resurgence of authoritarianism, it is essential to examine the parallels between
Italy
and
Türkiye
, two countries where the threat of fascism looms large.
The
Lega Party
, led by Matteo Salvini, has embraced a nationalistic and xenophobic agenda. Their rhetoric against immigrants, Europe, and perceived enemies is strikingly similar to that of
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
‘s Justice and Development Party in Türkiye.
Moreover, the
Türkiye
has experienced under Erdoğan’s rule, where media outlets have been taken over or silenced altogether.
Additionally, the
The
As Italy teeters on the brink of a fascist abyss, it is crucial that the contact Union and the international community take action. The lessons from Türkiye are clear: fascism does not announce itself with swastikas or open violence; it creeps in through the cracks of democracy, slowly but surely. The
European Union
must not turn a blind eye to the early warning signs in Italy and instead work towards strengthening democratic institutions and promoting dialogue, understanding, and unity.
Introduction
The political climate in Italy is currently undergoing significant shifts, with the rise of far-right political forces gaining momentum. One such party making waves is the Brothers of Italy (FDI), led by Giorgia Meloni. The FDI’s meteoric rise in popularity has raised concerns among observers, who see echoes of the darker chapters of Italian history.
Rise of the Far-Right: Brothers of Italy (FDI)
The FDI’s success can be attributed to a variety of factors, including economic uncertainty and a growing disillusionment with traditional political parties. Meloni’s party has capitalized on these sentiments, pushing an agenda that emphasizes law and order, national pride, and a tough stance against immigration. However, many fear that the FDI’s rise could pave the way for a return of fascist ideology in Italian politics.
Concerns about Fascism’s Resurgence
Fascism
The specter of fascism looms large over the Italian political landscape, a legacy of the regime that ruled from 1922 to 194The atrocities committed during this period – including widespread violence against political opponents, Jews, and other marginalized groups – continue to haunt the nation. As the FDI gains ground, many Italians are calling for a renewed vigilance against the forces of intolerance and hate.
Learning from History: Türkiye’s Experience
The situation in Türkiye
provides a sobering reminder of the importance of learning from history. Since the 2013 Gezi Park protests, Turkey has seen an erosion of democratic institutions and a crackdown on dissenting voices under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s rule. As the Italian political landscape shifts, it is crucial for Italians to remember the lessons of Türkiye’s experience – and to take steps to ensure that their democracy remains strong and resilient in the face of far-right challenges.
The Current State of Fascism in Italy
Overview of Brothers of Italy (FDI)
The Brothers of Italy (Federazione dei Popoli di Italia, or FDI), led by Giorgia Meloni, has recently emerged as the most successful far-right party in Italian politics. Founded in 2012 as a merger of several small right-wing groups, FDI’s ideology is rooted in a nationalist and conservative worldview that emphasizes traditional values, law and order, and Italian national identity. Although it does not explicitly endorse the totalitarian ideology of historical fascism, some of its policies and rhetoric have raised concerns among observers.
Specific policies and actions that raise concerns
Immigration and racism
FDI’s stance on immigration has been a point of controversy. The party has expressed skepticism towards open borders and multiculturalism, and has been criticized for its rhetoric on migrants and refugees. In 2018, Meloni wrote an op-ed in which she argued that “immigration is not a human right but a matter of national interest.” Some have accused the party of racist undertones, particularly in its opposition to the integration of Muslims and other minority groups.
Law and order rhetoric
FDI has also been criticized for its emphasis on law and order, which some argue could lead to a rollback of civil liberties. Meloni has described herself as a “children’s defender” and has advocated for harsher penalties for criminals, including mandatory minimum sentences. Critics worry that this rhetoric could be used to justify authoritarian measures and infringements on civil liberties.
Relations with authoritarian regimes
FDI’s foreign policy has also raised concerns, particularly its close ties to right-wing and authoritarian leaders around the world. Meloni has praised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2019. Some observers have accused the party of having a cozy relationship with these regimes and of downplaying their human rights abuses.
Impact on Italian society and democracy
The rise of FDI has led to increased polarization and division in Italian society. Some argue that the party’s success is a reflection of growing disillusionment with the established political class, while others warn that it could undermine Italian democracy. Critics have also expressed concern about the party’s potential threats to press freedom and human rights, particularly in light of its ties to authoritarian regimes.
Comparison with historical fascism in Italy
The comparison between the current state of fascism in Italy and its historical counterpart is a complex one. There are certainly similarities: both historical fascism and the current far-right movement in Italy have emphasized national identity, law and order, and authoritarianism. However, there are also significant differences. Historical fascism was a totalitarian regime that sought to control every aspect of society and individual life, whereas FDI is a party within the democratic system. Additionally, it is important to note that not all supporters of FDI hold extreme views, and the party itself has distanced itself from historical fascism.
Despite these differences, however, there are reasons to be concerned about the direction that Italian politics is heading in. The success of FDI and other far-right parties around Europe could have implications for the future of democracy, human rights, and social cohesion in Italy and beyond.
I Lessons from Türkiye: A Modern-Day Fascist Regime?
Background on President Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)
Rise to power and ideology: Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the current President of Türkiye, came to power as the Prime Minister of a center-right coalition government in 200The Justice and Development Party (AKP), which Erdogan co-founded, initially presented itself as a moderate Islamic party that aimed to bridge the gap between secular and religious communities. However, over the years, Erdogan’s regime has evolved into an authoritarian and nationalist government, with clear fascist tendencies.
Human rights abuses and erosion of democracy: Erdogan’s regime has been marked by numerous human rights violations, including the suppression of freedom of speech, assembly, and association. Critical media outlets have been shut down, journalists have been jailed, and opposition politicians have been targeted with trumped-up charges. Erdogan’s regime has also undermined the independence of the judiciary and other key democratic institutions, such as the military and the civil service.
Comparison with the Italian situation
Similarities in ideology and policies: Türkiye’s AKP shares some ideological similarities with Italy’s far-right parties, such as the League and the Brothers of Italy. Both regimes have embraced a form of nationalism that emphasizes cultural identity and sovereignty. They have also adopted populist policies aimed at appealing to their bases, such as tax cuts and anti-immigration measures.
Differences in context and outcomes: However, the contexts and outcomes of the AKP’s and the Italian far-right parties’ rise to power are quite different. Türkiye is a constitutional democracy with a history of military coups and authoritarian rule, while Italy is a mature democracy with robust institutions and a strong civil society. Additionally, the Italian far-right parties have not yet seized full political power, and their influence is limited by the country’s democratic institutions.
Lessons for Italy and other democracies
Vigilance against the far-right and authoritarian trends: The Türkiye case serves as a cautionary tale for Italy and other democracies. It underscores the importance of being vigilant against the far-right and authoritarian trends, which can erode democratic institutions and undermine human rights.
The importance of civil society, media, and international pressure: Civil society, media, and international pressure can play a crucial role in opposing fascism and authoritarianism. In Türkiye’s case, the international community has condemned human rights violations and called for democracy and rule of law to be respected. Similarly, civil society organizations and media outlets have continued to operate despite government repression and harassment.
The role of the European Union and other international organizations
Condemnation of human rights violations and authoritarianism: The European Union (EU) and other international organizations have an important role to play in pressuring Türkiye’s government to respect democratic norms and human rights. The EU, in particular, can use various tools, such as diplomatic pressure, conditionality, and sanctions, to incentivize Türkiye’s government to adopt more democratic policies.
Pressure on Italy to adhere to democratic norms: At the same time, the EU and other international organizations should also focus on supporting democratic institutions and human rights in Italy and other European democracies. This includes providing resources and expertise to help civil society groups, media outlets, and political parties promote democratic values and resist far-right and authoritarian trends.
Conclusion
Fascism in Italy, as embodied in the regime of Benito Mussolili from 1922 to 1943, left a deep and lasting impact on European history. The rise of this totalitarian regime marked a dark period in Italy’s democratic development, characterized by authoritarian rule, suppression of dissent, and militaristic expansionism. Despite the passage of time, the specter of fascism continues to loom large in contemporary Italy, with far-right political parties and movements gaining ground in recent years. Beppe Grillo’s Five Star Movement and Matteo Salvini’s League, two major players in the Italian political landscape, have been accused of employing populist rhetoric and xenophobic policies that resonate with some segments of the population.
Across the Mediterranean Sea, in Türkiye, the erosion of democratic norms and the consolidation of authoritarianism under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by far-right ideologies. The parallels between the Italian and Türkish cases are noteworthy, as both countries grapple with the challenges of preserving their democratic institutions in the face of resurgent nationalist sentiments.
Lessons from Türkiye and the Need for Continued Vigilance
The lessons from these contemporary examples of far-right politics are clear: the importance of maintaining strong democracies and vibrant civil societies cannot be overstated. In the context of Italy, this means continuing to engage in public discourse and advocacy efforts that counteract the rhetoric of far-right political parties and movements. In Türkiye, it means standing in solidarity with those who are fighting for democratic rights and freedoms in the face of an increasingly authoritarian regime.
Building Strong Democracies and Civil Societies
In order to build strong democracies, it is essential to invest in the institutions that support them. This includes not only formal structures like parliaments and courts but also informal networks of civil society organizations, media outlets, and educational institutions. These entities serve as crucial counterweights to the power of far-right political movements, helping to promote tolerance, inclusivity, and a culture of critical thinking.
Learning from History and Addressing the Root Causes of Far-Right Movements
Moreover, it is essential to learn from history and address the root causes of far-right movements. This requires a nuanced understanding of the complex factors that contribute to their rise, including economic inequality, cultural anxieties, and political instability. By addressing these underlying issues, we can create a political climate in which far-right ideologies are marginalized rather than mainstreamed.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, it is our collective responsibility to remember the past and use its lessons to shape a better future. By remaining vigilant against the resurgence of fascist ideologies in Italy, Türkiye, and beyond, we can help to ensure that the sacrifices made by those who fought against totalitarianism are not in vain. Through our actions and advocacy efforts, we can work together to build strong democracies, promote tolerance and inclusivity, and create a world where the values of freedom, justice, and human dignity are upheld for all.
