World Immigration News

(DW)Italy: Anti- and pro-migration rallies sweep Rome

Release Date: 2026-06-14
Media: DW
Summary: Tens of thousands of people took part in rival demonstrations in Rome on June 13, 2026, highlighting deep political divisions over immigration in Italy and across Europe.

The anti-immigration march was organized by the far-right “Remigration and Reconquest” movement after it collected the 50,000 signatures required to bring a proposed “remigration” bill before Parliament. The bill seeks tougher measures against immigrants, including expanded deportations and reductions in the foreign-born population. Some participants displayed fascist salutes and invoked former dictator Benito Mussolini.

At the same time, tens of thousands of people joined a counter-demonstration organized by left-wing groups and trade unions. The protesters rejected what they described as xenophobic and discriminatory policies and defended migrants’ rights and multiculturalism.

Thousands of police officers were deployed throughout the city, but no major violence was reported.

The demonstrations reflect the growing influence of the “remigration” movement across Europe, where some far-right groups advocate not only stricter immigration controls but also the removal of certain migrant populations already residing in European countries.

The issue has created tensions within Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition. While the anti-immigration League party has welcomed the debate, Meloni’s Brothers of Italy and its centrist coalition partners have taken a more cautious approach.

Critics argue that the proposed bill may violate Italy’s constitution and European Union law because it could discriminate against people based on their ethnic background.

Despite its tough rhetoric on irregular migration, the Meloni government has expanded legal migration to address labor shortages. Between 2023 and 2025, Italy authorized the entry of 452,000 non-EU workers.

The rival protests took place one day after the European Union introduced new rules governing irregular migration and asylum procedures, underscoring the continued prominence of migration as a major political issue across Europe.
Tags: Italy

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