Known for her strongly nationalist and anti-immigrant views as well as opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage, Brothers of Italy (Brothers of Italyor FdI) leader Giorgia Meloni is set to become the next prime minister of Italy after her party stormed to the top of opinion polls.
As Meloni and her coalition partner Matteo Salvini have made anti-immigration policies a central part of their campaign, and are expected to make the lives of foreign nationals in Italy more difficult once in power, we asked readers of The Local how they feel about the likely outcome of the election on September 25th.
READ ALSO: How would victory for Italy’s far right impact foreigners’ lives?
Almost 100 people responded, most of them foreign nationals living in Italy, the majority British, Irish, or American.
While some readers were pragmatic and a couple were positive about the prospect of a far-right government, the mood of the vast majority of readers in Italy could be summed up by comments including: “Great concerns.” “Disturbed.” “Horrified.”
In general, readers’ worries covered three areas: potential changes to immigration law that may affect their rights in Italy; fears of a culture of increased discrimination or hatred towards non-Italians, women and LGBT people; and worries about Italy’s economy and place on the international stage, particularly within the European Union.
“I’m very very concerned, as an immigrant, as someone who believes in social justice and women’s rights,” said Rhonda Struminger in Padova, who is married to an Italian and has two daughters who are both Italian citizens.
READ ALSO: Who is Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s likely next prime minister?
Giorgia Meloni, leader of far-right Fratelli d’Italia (Brothers of Italy) party, is expected to become Italy’s next prime minister. Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP
“Being white and English, I am not necessarily concerned about my own status as I am not the target of Lega and FdI’s ire! However it does raise concerns about knock-on effects for Italy’s economy and international standing,” said Jim in Milan
Dennis from Rome commented: “My concern is FdI is a wolf in sheep’s clothing and what will follow will be a true fascist agenda emerging.”
While Meloni rejects accusations that FdI is a fascist party, it is a political descendant of the Italian Social Movement (MSI), formed by supporters of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.
“My father fought fascism in the second world war. He’d turn in his grave if he thought we would even entertain the thought of the far right,” said Penelope Hart in Rome.
“I’m so sorry this is possible in Italy, and I feel ashamed and embarrassed.”
Several readers said they were seriously thinking of leaving Italy if a far-right government takes power..
“I plan to leave the country if Meloni wins. There has been a rise in bigotry and intolerance where I live in Friuli, encouraged by politicians,” said one Danish reader. “It is becoming too much to deal with and I don’t want to raise my child in this environment.”
Another reader in Emilia said they would “probably consider moving out of the country” while an Englishman in the province of Modena told us “if it starts to affect my life here then I will leave”.
READ ALSO: Will Italy’s hard right win the election with a ‘super majority’?
One reader from Boston said: “This is selfish, but as someone who owns a second home in Italy and plans to retire here soon, my main concern is that the visa process may become stricter and we’d no longer be welcome.”
A reader from the UK said she was concerned that the Italian citizenship application process “could be made more difficult again”, referring to changes made by Salvini when his League party was previously in government.
Several readers said that even if they’re not personally affected, the expected election result would change the way they see Italy.
“It will reveal Italy’s worst instincts,” said American Ann Steinbrun, who has lived in Friuli Venezia Giulia since 1986.
“It would disappoint me and force me to acknowledge that Italy is not making the right kinds of changes toward acceptance and respect of all people regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual identity, gender,” said another American reader in Certaldo. “They would be taking a huge step backward.”
Some readers said they were more concerned about Salvini than Meloni, while others were critical of the political system overall.
There are “too many parties, too much noise, and don’t think much changes to the benefit of the public living here”, said Judy Tong in Palermo.
Some of those who responded said they weren’t sure what to expect, and others told us they’ll wait and see what happens before forming any conclusions.
Liam Delaney in Sicily said: “Only time will tell”.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to our survey. Please feel free to leave any further comments below this article.