On Saturday, a large demonstration titled “Masters in Our Own Home” took place in Milan, drawing thousands of participants organized by the League and the European Patriots Group. The event began with approximately 2,000 marchers moving through the city center, where federation mayors, donned in tractors and tricolor sashes supporting the Made in Italy brand, led the procession to Piazza del Duomo.
At the rally, League leader and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini commenced his address by honoring Giacomo Bongiorni, a victim of a fatal attack in Massa. He remarked on the community’s responsibility to do better, stating, “We cannot allow individuals to perish simply over a lack of civility.” Salvini also paid homage to the League’s founder, Umberto Bossi, who passed away on March 19.
Salvini further acknowledged Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian leader who recently faced electoral defeat. He commended Orbán’s efforts in safeguarding borders and combating trafficking, urging a unified front in the ongoing struggle for freedom and the rule of law.
On immigration, Salvini outlined a proposed new citizenship framework based on the skills of migrants. He clarified that migration does not equate to indiscriminate expulsion, stating, “Residence permits and citizenship are acts of trust. While we offer benefits and healthcare, any transgressions will lead to a points-based system; repeated offenses may result in returning to one’s country.” He emphasized a preference for immigration from culturally aligned nations to ensure effective integration, criticizing globalist approaches that drive down wages for domestic workers.
Shifting his focus to the European Union’s economic policies, Salvini condemned the idea of an energy blockade, advocating for the suspension of Stability Pact rules to allow the allocation of Italian funds for citizens in distress. He also called for the lifting of sanctions on Russian gas, likening current EU and IMF leadership to “Martians” for their management strategies, and pointed out that the United States’ renewed energy trade with Moscow should be a model for the EU.
During the rally, representatives from various European nations rallied around Salvini, reinforcing the message of national sovereignty. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš emphasized the significance of a Europe with secured borders. Freedom Party founder Geert Wilders harshly criticized a recent incident involving two young Dutch men assaulted by immigrants, asserting the necessity of halting immigration from regions with radical ideologies.
As the Patriots’ rally unfolded, tensions escalated with opposing protests around Milan. Approximately 5,000 demonstrators chanting against the rally attempted to breach police barriers on Via Borgogna, aiming for Piazza del Duomo. Police deployed water cannons to counteract the throwing of projectiles, and following the skirmishes, Anti-fascist groups staged their march toward Medalier d’Oro Square, expressing their dissent against the Patriots’ presence in the city.
