ROME – Following the meeting between Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Salvini and Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the Prefecture in Milan earlier this week, a relationship has blossomed whilst the Milanese protest in outrage, political sources said on Wednesday.  

 During the meeting, which lasted about an hour, Salvini said “We are close to a historic turning point for the future of Europe; today we have had just the first of many meetings.”

 Orban was equally complimentary. “Whilst everyone in the European parliament attacked me, Salvini defended me. I will not forget this and I will thank him. I would like to make my personal acquaintance with Salvini. He is my hero. He is a friend I was destined to have, and I am very curious to get to know his personality. I am a great admirer and I have some experiences I could possibly share with him… this is how I feel.”

 Salvini then added, “Up until now, the left existed purely to insult me, to defend EU bankers and support unlimited immigration. In Hungary, however, unemployment is below 5 percent, Flat tax for businesses is at 9 percent, immigration is under control and the economy is growing by 4 percent.”

 Thousands of people took to the streets in Milan to protest against the meeting . ‘Milan in favour of acceptance and integration’ united in piazza San Babila for the protest ‘Europe without walls’. The parade was also joined by many left-wing political parties. The square was guarded by the police and access to Corso Monforte, where the headquarters of the prefecture is located, was blocked by police trucks and agents in anti-riot gear.

 Social centres smeared ‘Consulate Hungary’ in red paint to represent the blood of the many migrants who lost their lives at sea in front of the Hungarian General Consulate in Missori. Protestors believe Salvini and Orban will bring about ‘a politics of fascism’ together. Slogans such as “Salvini and Orban: accomplices of racism and fear” and “Our Europe has no borders; refugees welcome” were written across the banners.

 cb