Italian Prime Minister Meloni, who distanced from fascism, appoints deputy minister wearing Nazi symbol

Assemblyman Vinyami Sparks Controversy Over Nazi-Related Attire
Member of Far-Right Party 'Italia Fratelli'

Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni appointed Galeazzo Bignami, a member of the far-right party Brothers of Italy (FDI), which is considered the successor of fascist followers, as Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Sustainable Infrastructure and Mobility, according to major foreign media reports on the 31st of last month (local time). Bignami faced public criticism in 2016 when a photo of him wearing a swastika, a Nazi symbol, on his left arm was published in the media.

According to major foreign media, Prime Minister Meloni held a press conference that day and appointed Bignami as Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Sustainable Infrastructure and Mobility. Bignami, who was re-elected in last month’s Italian general election, has long been active as a member of Italy’s far-right but was once affiliated with the center-right party Forward Italy.

In a statement released that day, he addressed the photo reported in the media, saying, "I felt ashamed," and explained, "I have a critical awareness of totalitarianism in any form and consider all related activities as 'absolute evil.'"

Major foreign media reported that Prime Minister Meloni did not make any particular remarks regarding Bignami’s Nazi-related photo.

Recently, Meloni, who had distanced herself from fascism by condemning Nazi racial discrimination against Jews, drew attention from foreign media for appointing Bignami, who had been embroiled in controversy, as deputy minister.

Meloni began her political career in the Italian Social Movement (MSI), a neo-fascist party that followed fascism’s founder Benito Mussolini, and has been called the "female Mussolini." In past interviews, she praised Mussolini, saying, "Everything he did was for the homeland."

She also led the founding of FDI in 2012 and became party leader two years later, expanding support by promoting far-right policies such as anti-immigration and anti-European Union (EU) stances.

However, in her first speech outlining government policy on the 25th of last month, she stated, "I have never felt sympathy or affinity for anti-democratic regimes, including fascism," showing a stance of distancing herself from them.

Meanwhile, Bignami is expected to work alongside Matteo Salvini, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Sustainable Infrastructure and Mobility, in managing the ministry.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.