What does Georgia Meloni teach us about neo-fascism today? | Luisa Rizzitelli

The populism championed by Meloni and her allies casts freedom and human rights not merely as dangers but as targets

Rome Wasn't Built in a Day" and neither was the consensus for the neo-fascism of the prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, in Italy. As the well-known activist and writer Michela Murgia warned, Do not expect fascism to knock on your door, manifesting itself." Her words highlight how the current government's fascism has been creeping in over the years, creating enemies by instilling fear and promoting a racial and religious community that excludes those it deems different.

In this community, patriarchy serves as a perfect ally, providing a means of control under the guise of the Natural Order. It enforces normality" through binary choices, centering the family around the man as the primary provider while relegating the woman to the role of the object" who generates and cares.

Luisa Rizzitelli is the Italy coordinator of One Billion Rising, which campaigns to end violence against women