Security forces are studying plans for four demonstrations in Rome on Saturday with more than 20,000 people expected to attend just one march by the National Association of Italian Partisans (ANPI) and ’Mai piu fascismo’ (Fascism Never Again) committee alone.
Demonstrators have been warned “blunt objects, rigid flagpoles, clothing useful for hiding and any other potential tool to conceal one’s identity” are banned.
Police have also warned helmets and hard hats are forbidden in a string of security and anti-terror measures.
Far-right parties clash with anti-fascist protestors across country
Police commissioner Guido Marino said: “We have two objectives – guarantee a high standard of counter-terrorism prevention and prevent violent groups from infiltrating the marches with negative consequences for order and security.”
The ANPI march and the Fascism Never Again Committee will take place from 1pm to 5pm from Piazza della Repubblica to Piazza del Popolo.
Demonstrators will also march from Piazza Esquilino to Piazza Madonna di Loreto, from 2pm in a protest organised by Cobas to demand the abolition of the Jobs Act. 4,500 people are expected to descend on the protest.
Demonstrations are also planned in Piazza Porta San Giovanni and at the CIE of Ponte Galeria, promoted by ‘Antagonist Groups’, according to Italian newspaper Ansa.
Last week anti-fascist protesters clashed with far-right parties in the cities of Venice, Naples and Bologna.
The protests come as Italy prepares to go to the polls on March 4 with tensions high as right-winger Matteo Salvini pledges large scale deportations of refugees.
The bleak economic forecast and growing immigration concerns have resulted in toxic election campaigns for the upcoming vote amid fears of a revival of neo-fascist sentiment.
Mr Salvini, the leader of Lega Nord, signalled his intention to take a tough stance on immigration by vowing to deport 500,000 migrants within five years if his party wins the election – including 100,000 in the first year.
Polls suggest the conservative coalition made up of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia (Go Italy!) and its far-right allies will win the most parliamentary seats, but probably will fall short of an outright majority.
In that case, President Sergio Mattarella could ask a centre-right figure to try to form a government, or he could turn to Luigi Di Maio, leader of the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, which looks set to become Italy’s largest party.
Before a poll blackout came into force on Saturday, 5-Star was polling at around 28 percent, ahead of the ruling PD on 23 percent and Forza Italia on 16 percent.