Italy's Dangerous Embrace of Remigration: A Wake-Up Call for Europe

The Emerging Threat of Remigration

Meeting Tommy Robinson earlier this month, Éric Zemmour—a prominent anti-immigration figure in France—stated starkly, “Politics needs to defeat demographics.” As alarming as it sounds, this sentiment encapsulates a burgeoning ideology across Europe. The fear of disappearing minority populations has spurred discussions around remigration: a euphemism for mass deportations targeting predominantly Muslim communities.

What is Remigration?

In essence, remigration involves implementing state-led mass deportations to reduce minority populations, as a reactionary measure against perceived threats to national identity. During the 2022 presidential focus in France, Zemmour proposed creating a “ministry of remigration” committed to removing “1 million” people, indiscriminately labeling everyone from undocumented individuals to dual-national criminals as expendable.

“Remigration is not just a policy; it's an ideology that blurs the lines between citizenship and criminality.”

The crux of the remigration discourse isn't simply its existence; it's the alarming normalization of its language, which now permeates political rhetoric across Europe. From the Brothers of Italy under Giorgia Meloni to Marine Le Pen's National Rally, remigration is increasingly being adopted by mainstream parties that were once marginal in their views.

A Dangerous Precedent

The rise of the remigration narrative gains momentum not only in electoral speeches but also in legislative actions. In Germany, politicians from the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) have latched onto similar themes, demanding the expulsion of immigrants. Last year saw them leading national polls, igniting a further blur between extremist rhetoric and conventional political strategy.

Italy exemplifies how swiftly radical ideas can gain traction. The country has a historical backdrop plagued by fascism, making their current flirtation with remigration all the more concerning. This January, a press conference intended to launch a public petition on remigration—backed by Leagues MPs and neo-fascist factions like CasaPound—was disrupted by leftists who recognized the dangerous precedent being set. This shows a nation grappling with its darker past, while seemingly leaning into it.

Tensions Within the Right

Nevertheless, fractures exist within the far right regarding this notion. Although some parties, like Meloni's administration, remain cautious, the soaring popularity of Roberto Vannacci—a former general who foregrounds remigration in his political agenda—demonstrates the internal pressure to adopt more extreme positions.

Vannacci is currently attempting to carve out a niche for himself with his recently announced party, Futuro Nazionale. Although its presence in the political spectrum is still tenuous, the fact that he champions remigration is indicative of how normalized such extremity has become.

A Politics of Fear

The increasing normalization of drastic measures presents a sobering Call for Reflection. Remigration cannot be dismissed as a fringe idea; it has evolved into a mainstream option that many European parties are willing to consider. In Meloni's Italy, where historical patterns of immigration are met with protectionist policies, the roots of these policies echo notions of ethnic purity and fear-mongering.

This isn't merely about immigrants; it's about redefining citizenship itself. The fight against ideas like remigration must not only challenge the implications of such policies but also affirm the values that underpin a democratic society—a society that emphasizes inclusion, diversity, and integration.

Conclusion: The Moment of Reckoning

It's imperative that we confront this trend head-on. As European countries veer increasingly toward divisive and exclusionary tactics, we must ask ourselves: what kind of society do we want to uphold? How do we balance security with moral responsibility?

Ignoring the messaging from the extremist fringes will only empower their agenda. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for citizens to engage in meaningful dialogue and action against these dangerous ideologies before they become entrenched legal frameworks.

• David Broder is the author of Mussolini's Grandchildren: Fascism In Contemporary Italy