Word: berlusconis
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...from marginal Mussolini nostalgic to mainstream political power was unwavering support for the state of Israel. The decisive moment came when Fini traveled to Israel in November 2003, declaring his affection for the Jewish state and his "shame" for Italy's racial laws under fascism. The following year, Silvio Berlusconi made him foreign minister, where the longtime leader of the National Alliance party stood out amongst his European partners for his pro-Israel policy...
...With Berlusconi's return to power last month, and Fini's own protégé, Gianni Alemanno sweeping to victory in the race for Rome Mayor, Fini was sworn in last week at the helm of the Italian Parliament, hoping his extremist past was definitively behind him. But now, Fini is again on the spot over fascism, a victim of his own zeal to defend Israel...
...Ultimately, the issue that Europe's extreme right is focused on now is not Israel or Jews, but immigrants. During Berlusconi's last government, Fini was coauthor with rightist Northern League ally Umberto Bossi of a series of severe anti-immigration measures, including instant deportations and requirements that foreigners must have a fixed job to remain in the country. The next time fascist nostalgics or neo-Nazis attack a defenseless man on the street, there is a high probability it will be an immigrant. Such assaults in the past have indeed been aimed at immigrants. And that too is part...
...Alemanno has built a reputation as an articulate protégé of Gianfranco Fini, the rightist leader who brought the post-fascist movement into the mainstream in 1993 with the founding of the National Alliance party. Alemanno served as agriculture minister in Berlusconi's 2001-2006 government, and was allied in the mayoral run with Berlusconi backers in the newly formed Freedom Party. After years of centrist Christian Democratic mayors and a 15-year grip by the center-left, Rome now has its first rightist mayor since World...
...much as any sharp rightward turn in the capital, Alemanno's win is a sure sign that the center-left is in a dismal state. Veltroni, who was pummeled by Berlusconi two weeks ago, said the loss of Rome to the center-right was cause for "reflection." One question sure to be reflected on deeply in coming days: whether Veltroni himself can survive as the head of the opposition having presided over two such cutting defeats in the course of a mere two weeks...