Thousands commemorate Mussolini's rise as far-right sentiments continue to sweep across Europe


As far-right political parties continue to gain traction in countries across Europe, thousands of Italians on Sunday marched to the crypt of Benito Mussolini in celebration of the fascist Italian dictator, The Associated Press reported.
The crowd, estimated at between 2,000 and 4,000 people, descended on Mussolini's final resting place in the town of Predappio. Many within the crowd could be seen with fascist symbols and flags, and were reportedly heard singing Italian colonial-era hymns. The crowd had gathered to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the March on Rome, in which members of the National Fascist Party overran the Italian capital and forced the nation's king to hand total power to Mussolini.
While Mussolini is often considered among the 20th century's most brutal despots, the march on his grave mirrors the rise in far-right and neo-fascist movements that have been seen both in Italy and across Europe.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Far-right movements have been gaining significant traction even in long-held liberal countries such as Sweden. Italy itself recently saw a return to far-right control for the first time since the Mussolini era, following the election of Giorgia Meloni as its next prime minister. Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy party evolved from post-World War II fascist sentiments.
However, not everyone in Italy appeared to welcome the far-right groups with open arms. Prior to the march on Mussolini's grave, nearly 1,000 anti-fascist activists reportedly celebrated Italy's 1944 liberation in a massive rally on Friday.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
Judge blocks Trump's asylum ban at US border
Speed Read The president violated federal law by shutting down the US-Mexico border to asylum seekers, said the ruling
-
Thai court suspends prime minister over leaked call
Speed Read Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended, pending an ethics investigation
-
Senate passes GOP megabill after Alaska side deal
The pivotal yes vote came from Sen. Lisa Murkowski, whose support was secured following negotiated side deals for her home state Alaska
-
Trump sues LA over immigration policies
Speed Read He is suing over the city's sanctuary law, claiming it prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities
-
Obama, Bush and Bono eulogize USAID on final day
Speed Read The US Agency for International Development, a humanitarian organization, has been gutted by the Trump administration
-
The last words and final moments of 40 presidents
The Explainer Some are eloquent quotes worthy of the holders of the highest office in the nation, and others... aren't
-
Senate advances GOP bill that costs more, cuts more
Speed Read The bill would make giant cuts to Medicaid and food stamps, leaving 11.8 million fewer people with health coverage
-
Will NATO countries meet their new spending goal?
today's big question The cost of keeping Trump happy