Italy's former left-wing PM blasts media 'fake news' over claims fascism making comeback in Rome

Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi vehemently denounced the media narrative suggesting fascism is making a comeback in the country after a conservative coalition won control of the government earlier this week.

The Brothers of Italy party and its allies won more than 40% of the vote in the national elections, earning them the right to try to form a government and putting party leader Giorgia Meloni on course to become Italy's first female prime minister. She would also be the head of the country's first significantly right-wing government since World War II.

Following her victory, headlines in Western media were flooded with comparisons to Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and suggestions that the movement would return the country to an authoritarian regime, which Renzi refuted.

Speaking to CNN, he denied that Meloni was a "danger to democracy" and said the idea of a resurgent fascist movement in the country was "fake news."

"Personally I was against Giorgia Meloni," he said. "I'm not her best friend. We are rivals but she is not a danger to democracy. The idea there is a risk of fascism in Italy is absolutely fake news."

Matteo Renzi was the Italian prime minister from 2014-2016. He’s a lefty but tells CNN:

‘Personally I was against Giorgia Meloni. I’m not her best friend. We are rivals but she is not a danger to democracy. The idea there is a risk of fascism in Italy is absolutely fake news.’ pic.twitter.com/F1QXqcLDMo

— John Ruddick (@JohnRuddick2) September 26, 2022

Renzi served as prime minister from 2014-2016 and leads the Italia Viva party.