How a party born from neo-fascist roots became Italy's dominant political force today
In short: Brothers of Italy, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has transformed from a fringe movement into the country's ruling power. While its origins trace back to the post-fascist Italian Social Movement, the party now navigates a complex identity, blending conservative governance with populist rhetoric and a shifting European vision.
Founded in December 2012 following a split within The People of Freedom party, Brothers of Italy (FdI) emerged under the leadership of Giorgia Meloni, Ignazio La Russa, and Guido Crosetto. Its name is derived from the opening line of the Italian national anthem. The party’s foundational DNA is deeply linked to the National Alliance, which itself was the successor to the neo-fascist Italian Social Movement active from 1946 to 1995. Despite this heritage, the party has evolved into a broad coalition, incorporating former Christian Democrats, liberals, and various right-wing factions.
The party's political trajectory has been marked by steady growth, rising from 2.0% of the vote in the 2013 general election to 28.9% in the 2024 European Parliament election. By 2022, Meloni became Italy's first female Prime Minister, leading a government that some academics describe as the most right-wing since World War II. Her administration has pursued a platform of national conservatism, opposing abortion and euthanasia while advocating for a 'confederal Europe' of sovereign nations. FdI has also shifted its geopolitical stance, moving from earlier Euroscepticism toward a firm commitment to Atlanticism and support for Ukraine following the 2022 Russian invasion.
FdI’s identity remains a subject of intense academic and public debate. While Meloni maintains that the party is a mainstream conservative force, critics frequently label it as far-right, neo-fascist, or post-fascist, citing the party’s historical ties, the use of the tricolour flame symbol, and occasional controversies involving members expressing nostalgia for the fascist era. The party has actively sought to moderate its image, distancing itself from extremist groups like New Force and emphasizing its alignment with international conservative movements, including the Republican Party in the United States and Likud in Israel. Today, FdI stands as a central pillar of Italian politics, successfully balancing its historical roots with the demands of modern governance.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Brothers of Italy
- Also: Il Canto degli Italiani
- Also: Wikidata — Brothers of Italy · CC0
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