Far-Right Rally in Milan: Salvini Hosts, Le Pen Eyes 2027

Far-right leaders from Europe will gather in Milan for a rally against irregular immigration and Brussels bureaucracy. The Patriots for Europe party has called on supporters to meet at 1300 GMT in front of Milan's Duomo cathedral. Matteo Salvini, leader of Italy's League party, is the organizer of the event, billed as "Without Fear - in Europe Masters in our Own Home!".

Jordan Bardella, Geert Wilders, and Andrej Babiš have been invited to attend. Marine Le Pen stressed that 2027 was "absolutely fundamental" for the far right, with major contests in France, Italy, Spain and Poland. Progressives, including Pedro Sanchez, Claudia Sheinbaum and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, are also set to gather in Barcelona.

"Peace, work and security" will be the watchwords of the Milan rally. Participants are expected to discuss ending legal aid to migrants and imposing strict limits on family reunification policies. The League party has also called for the EU to soften budget deficit rules.

Farmers and motorcyclists are to lead a march from eastern Milan to the Duomo. The rally is a show of force for the League party, which currently has around 6%-8% of voting intentions. Several counter events, including anti-fascist rallies, are planned in Milan. Forza Italia is also planning an event for its Milan chapter.