Italy’s right-wing government is facing backlash for commemorating the Battle of El Alamein, a major World War II conflict where Italian soldiers fought under Mussolini’s fascist forces. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto praised the soldiers’ sacrifice, sparking criticism for glorifying Italy’s colonial and fascist past.
Opposition politicians, academics, and social media users condemned the government’s celebration, arguing that the soldiers did not fight for freedom but were victims of the fascist regime. Despite ongoing calls to denounce fascism, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has refrained from labeling herself as “anti-fascist,” raising concerns about nostalgia for fascism within her Brothers of Italy party.
The legacy of fascism continues to haunt Italy decades after the war, with Meloni’s tenure marked by controversies over fascist symbols and ideologies. As the country grapples with its past, the debate over how to remember and commemorate historical events like the Battle of El Alamein highlights the complex relationship between Italy’s wartime legacy and its present-day politics.