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.
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