Bologna mayor accuses cabinet of 'sending blackshirts' (3)

(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 10 - Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore on Sunday accused the government of sending 300 'blackshirts', calling a group of far-right activists that demonstrated in the Emilia-Romagna city the previous day like the paramilitary wing of Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party, saying the city was instead demanding funding in the wake of devastating flooding.
    "I wonder how it is possible that once again Bologna is not respected", said Lepore, a member of the left-wing Democratic Party (PD) following opposing marches staged in Bologna by members of the far-right Casa Pound and Rete dei Patrioti organizations and leftist collectives and anarchists.
    Recalling that Premier Giorgia Meloni is scheduled to visit the city on Monday, Lepore said "they sent us 300 blackshirts, instead we would like to ask again for funding for the flood.
    "Top government ministers and the premier have come in three days, and exactly in the middle the Patrioti CasaPound arrive.
    "Public order should not have been managed in this way, I think the interior minister owes an explanation to the city of Bologna", said the mayor.
    On Saturday, anti-riot police clashed with demonstrators who were taking part in an anti-fascist march organized by left-wing collectives in Bologna against the demonstration held nearby by members of the far-right Casa Pound and Rete dei Patrioti groups.
    The two demonstrations were held in Bologna a week before regional elections in Emilia Romagna on November 17-18. (ANSA).