DISINFO: The EU struck by the virus of fascism on the eve of the elections
SUMMARY
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni ran along the streets of the town of Ascoli Piceno with a group of Bersaglieri as part of a campaign in preparation for the elections to the European Parliament. It is not surprising that the Italian Prime Minister, in preparation for the elections, took part in a race with people in the uniform of the Italian fascist strike unit. It is clear whose side Meloni's sympathies are on.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative targeting the upcoming European Parliament elections. This narrative also accuses the EU of Nazism. Both claims were made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
From May 2 to May 5, 2024, a military holiday was held in Ascoli Piceno, Italy. The Italian armed forces, as well as top officials of the state, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the National Association of Bersaglieri. The final day of the historic meeting of the Italian armed forces was marked by a ceremonial parade in the presence of Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni and other senior Italian leaders.
The Bersaglieri are a specialised rifle unit of an infantry division of the Italian Army. This branch of the armed forces was founded in the first half of the 19th century and still exists. The Bersaglieri have a long military history - from participation in the battles of the First Italian War of Independence (1848-1849) to participation in various modern peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the UN.
The widespread Russian accusations of “Nazism” against European states is a tool of political pressure, since Russia itself is trying to justify its aggression against Ukraine with the mythical need to “denazify” Ukraine. The UN has repeatedly emphasised that Russia's actions seriously undermine the genuine attempts of the world community in the fight against neo-Nazism.
Read similar disinformation cases claiming that The West is treating Russians like Nazis treated Jews, that Western ignorance of history leads to the resurgence of Nazism in Europe, and that Russophobia is now a criterion for joining the EU.
Read also related cases such as: EU introduces censorship ahead of European Parliament elections, EU elections are not fair, or Europe is mortal, but only the Europe embodied by its current liberal elites, or European integration is just another mask for fascism.