Thousands show support for Salvini at Mussolini rally

ROME – Shouts of support for Interior Minister Matteo Salvini could be heard amongst thousands of Benito Mussolini supporters gathered in Predappio to celebrate the 96th anniversary of the March on Rome last weekend, Il Fatto Quotidiano reports.

 Around 2,000 neo-fascists from across Italy convened in Piazza Sant’Antonio, before marching to the San Cassiano cemetery where the fascist leader is buried. Some wore the black-shirt uniform synonymous with Mussolini’s regime, carrying Italian flags and fascist banners.

 Chants of “we’re voting Salvini,” could be heard from the procession, many of them seeing the far-right, outspoken Deputy Prime Minister as a latter-day Duce.

 Despite the controversial figure being celebrated, no incidents were reported throughout the rally, as the supporters of Mussolini were accompanied by local police and Carabinieri.

 The fascist leader, who was born in Predappio, took power in Italy on Oct. 28, 1922 after a mass demonstration that forced the government of the time to cede power to the Italian Fascist Party.

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