BRUSSELS – Emulation effect. Or rather, propagation effect. The violent Forza Nuova demonstration in Rome also left marks in Brussels. The scenes of the assault on the main Italian trade union have formed a deposit of concern in the palaces of the EU. A subtle fear. May that episode turn into an example. To be exported to the rest of the continent already crossed by phenomena of radical extremism.
What happened yesterday during the meeting of the group leaders of the European Parliament, then, is the first demonstration of this. In view of the plenary session to be held in Strasbourg next week, representatives of all groups were called upon to agree on the agenda. The Italian exponents of the PSE have asked for a debate on precisely what happened in our country and on the growth of right-wing extremisms in Europe. The conservatives of the Ecr, led by Raffaele Fitto, and the sovereigns of Identity and Democracy, led by the Northern League Marco Zanni. “Let the debate be held but on all extremisms”, was their request. It wasn’t just the S&D Socialists who stopped them. The European Popolari also lined up against the newly confirmed group leader, the German Manfred Weber. The first tangible sign that the debris of that fury has landed in many countries of the Union, causing considerable alarm.
Germany, the Minister for European Affairs: “A European international fueled by Russian fakes behind squadristi and No Vax”
by our correspondent Tonia Mastrobuoni
After all, the dry and precise question that German President Steinmeier addressed to the Italian head of state only four days ago, Sergio Mattarella, during his visit to Berlin is another testimony that those images certainly did not go unnoticed. Even in Germany, where on the same day, the authoritative newspaper The world headlined “The great return of the country with Draghi”.
It is not just a fear of a partner of the Union, but the suspicion that a certain network has now linked the far right and the No Vaxes throughout the Old Continent. And therefore it can reinvigorate itself for a mere imitative effect. As the research published last month by Eurobarometer well explained, Italy had withstood the impact of propaganda against the vaccine and against the Green pass. It had turned out to be an embankment. Suffice it to say that in that survey 29 per cent of Europeans – and in this percentage the largest contribution came from nations led by sovereign governments – did not consider it a “civic duty” to get vaccinated. The Italian share, on the other hand, dropped to 20. Rome was considered a barrier against the “novaxist” wave.
In short, the “Forza Nuova” case is fueling doubts. At least in relation to the danger of a “viral” spread of violence. The day before yesterday, during the collegial meeting of the Commission, no one spoke of what had happened at the headquarters of the CGIL. “We did not do it – explained a commissioner, however – because Gentiloni, who is busy in Washington, was not present. If Paolo had been there, we would certainly have asked him for information. At least at the end of the meeting”.
France, far-right journalist Eric Zemmour surpasses Marine Le Pen in the polls
by our correspondent Anais Ginori
It is not excluded that in a completely informal way, some of the EU leaders can do it directly with Mario Draghi at the next European Council next Thursday. If that happens, it certainly won’t surprise you. Indeed, many were impressed by that demonstration that recalled the Trumpian assault on the Washington Capitol in January. Because the emulation effect can damage in particular those who are about to face an electoral campaign. This is the case in France. And Macron wants to avert as much as possible the risk of facing a possible new wave of “yellow vests” transformed into anti-vaccine supporters in the coming months. Whereas Maxime Nicole, one of the leaders of the “yellow” protest, is now on that line. With Florian Filippot, former right hand of Marine Le Pen. And in all likelihood also the Spanish premier, the socialist Pedro Sanchez, must not have liked the presence of Giorgia Meloni at the rally of Vox’s sovereign right in Madrid.
On TikTok children exposed for months to no vax videos and fake news on Covid
by our correspondent Antenello Guerrera
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