The government has stirred controversy after commemorating the soldiers who fought for fascist Italy in the 1942 Battle of El Alamein. On the 82nd anniversary of the World War II event, released statements are seen by some as overly sympathetic to the fascist regime.
In a social media post, Italy’s Ministry of Defence described the Italian and German forces’ defeat in North Africa as a “heroic and tragic sacrifice for our freedom,” a phrase that quickly sparked criticism. The battle of El Alamein, fought under the fascist dictatorship of Benito Mussolini, was a significant turning point in the war.
Several opposition voices, including the Five Star Movement, responded critically, suggesting it was misleading to imply that soldiers fighting for Mussolini’s fascist government had fought for “freedom.” The Five Star Movement argued that Italian soldiers at El Alamein were victims of Mussolini’s expansionist policies and colonial ambitions, not defenders of democratic ideals.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing coalition, led by the Brothers of Italy (FdI), is no stranger to scrutiny over its links to Italy’s fascist past. FdI, which traces its lineage back to the Italian Social Movement founded by former fascists after WWII, has sought to distance itself from the ideology, with Meloni asserting that the modern party rejects racism, antisemitism, and any form of fascist nostalgia. Nonetheless, critics note that FdI retains the tricoloured flame symbol historically associated with neo-fascist groups.
Paola Chiesa, a Brothers of Italy politician, also paid tribute to the anniversary, describing the battlefield as a place that “holds the heart of the nation.” This expression, together with the Defence Ministry’s remarks, was seen by some as an attempt to glorify the role of Italian forces at El Alamein, sparking further backlash from opposition figures.
Opposition wants greater government accountability regarding fascism
Elly Schlein, leader of the Democratic Party, reminded the government of Italy’s constitution, which mandates the dissolution of neo-fascist organisations. Schlein and others have called for greater accountability from Meloni’s government regarding actions and symbols that appear to celebrate fascism.
Meloni, who insists the FdI is a mainstream conservative party, has made efforts to symbolically distance her party from Italy’s fascist history. She observed Italy’s National Liberation Day earlier this year, commemorating the country’s liberation from Nazi and fascist forces. However, her government has faced repeated controversies around its handling of Italy’s past, with recent incidents of fascist salutes and statements in the FdI’s youth wing surfacing.
As Italy remembers the soldiers lost at El Alamein, the government’s comments have rekindled debate over how to honour those who served in WWII under the fascist regime. Critics argue that such tributes risk blurring historical realities, while government representatives maintain they are commemorating the service and sacrifice of Italian soldiers in one of history’s pivotal battles.
