Fascist Chants at Fratelli d'Italia Office in Parma Spark Widespread Condemnation and Investigation

Incident Unfolds on March on Rome Anniversary

On the evening of October 28, 2025, a video surfaced depicting young individuals engaging in fascist chants and songs at a local office of Fratelli d'Italia (FdI) in Parma, Italy. The premises, located in Borgo del Parmigianino, are also utilized by the party's youth organization, Gioventù Nazionale (GN). The incident occurred on the historic anniversary of the March on Rome in 1922, a pivotal event in the rise of Benito Mussolini's fascist regime.

The circulating video clearly captured participants singing the fascist-era anthem 'Me ne frego,' which includes lyrics such as 'We don't care about prison, the black shirt will triumph. If it doesn't, it will be a bloodbath with truncheons and hand grenades.' The song was reportedly followed by loud shouts of 'Duce! Duce!' The term 'Duce' was adopted by Benito Mussolini, meaning 'The Leader.'

Swift Party Response and Political Outcry

In the wake of the video's circulation, the regional association of Gioventù Nazionale in Emilia-Romagna announced the immediate dismissal and receivership of its Parma section. This decision, made 'in agreement with the national leadership,' was attributed to 'political incompatibility.' Leading FdI politicians, including party organization head Giovanni Donzelli and national chairman of GN Fabio Roscani, stated that these disciplinary actions were initiated prior to the video becoming public.

Fabio Roscani emphasized that 'there is no room in our movement for behavior incompatible with the values of freedom and democracy.' Similarly, Giovanni Donzelli reiterated, 'We reiterate, there is no place in Brothers of Italy for racists, extremists, and antisemites.'

The incident drew sharp condemnation from across the political spectrum:

• Michele Guerra, the Mayor of Parma from the Democratic Party (PD), denounced the chants as 'pathetic propaganda of a terrible, bygone era,' asserting that Parma's values are 'diametrically opposed to these chants.'
• The national leadership of the Democratic Party, including representatives Chiara Braga and Francesco Boccia, publicly called on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to issue an unequivocal condemnation of the events.
• Luigi Tosiani, regional secretary of the PD in Emilia-Romagna, expressed 'shame and outrage' over the incident.
• The Five Star Movement (M5S) also issued a strong condemnation, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Judicial Investigation Initiated

The Parma Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the matter. A 'Model 45' file has been opened, indicating an exploratory phase to verify the facts and determine if any criminal offenses were committed. The DIGOS (Special Operations Unit) of the Parma Police Headquarters is actively investigating the incident. As of now, no individuals have been formally registered as under investigation.