Rome Erupts in Rival Migration Protests as Far-Right ‘Remigration’ Push Gains Momentum

Tens of thousands of people filled the streets of Rome on Saturday in rival demonstrations over migration, spotlighting one of the most divisive political issues facing Italy as a controversial far-right proposal advances toward Parliament.

The protests were triggered by the “Remigration and Reconquest” initiative, which recently surpassed the 50,000-signature threshold required for parliamentary consideration. The campaign has pushed the once-fringe concept of “remigration” into Italy's political mainstream, though lawmakers have not yet scheduled a vote.

The proposal calls for forced returns of irregular migrants, incentives for foreigners to leave Italy and broader measures that critics warn could extend to legal residents and naturalised citizens. Opposition parties, legal experts and human rights advocates argue that the plan risks violating constitutional and international anti-discrimination principles.

Around 3,000 anti-migration demonstrators travelled from across Italy to attend the rally, marching behind banners promoting remigration. Participants sang the national anthem, while some raised fascist salutes and chanted “Duce! Duce!” in reference to former dictator Benito Mussolini . Activists from the neo-fascist group CasaPound were also present.

A much larger counter-demonstration drew tens of thousands of pro-migration supporters, trade unions, left-wing groups and anti-fascist organisations. Some participants carried Palestinian flags and banners defending migrant rights. Thousands of police officers were deployed across the capital to prevent clashes, but authorities reported no major violence, arrests or injuries.

The demonstrations coincided with the launch of Futuro Nazionale , a new far-right party led by former general and European Parliament member Roberto Vannacci. The controversy comes as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government expands legal migration channels to address labour shortages and as the European Union's new Migration and Asylum Pact enters into force, reshaping migration policy across the bloc.