The event is being organised by the Patriots for Europe party, which is the third-largest group in the European Parliament. The supporters have been called to gather at 1:00 pm GMT in front of the famous Duomo cathedral in Milan.
Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and League party leader Matteo Salvini is the main organiser. He described the Duomo cathedral as a “symbol of Christianity” and said it is the right place for the event, which is titled “Without Fear in Europe, Masters in our Own Home!”
Several well-known European political figures are expected to attend. These include France’s Jordan Bardella and the Netherlands’ Geert Wilders, both of whom accepted Salvini’s invitation. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis has also been invited. However, Spain’s Vox party has not confirmed participation yet, and Hungary has not announced any representative following Orbán’s defeat to pro-European Union leader Peter Magyar.
Before the Hungarian election, France’s National Rally leader Marine Le Pen visited Budapest to support Orbán. She said that the year 2027 will be very important for the far-right political movement. She believes upcoming elections in countries like France, Italy, Spain, and Poland could help far-right parties change the direction of the European Union.
At the same time, progressive leaders are also meeting in Barcelona. These include Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The Milan rally will focus on slogans such as “Peace, work and security,” according to Salvini, who said that participants will gather peacefully and confidently. Speakers are expected to talk about strict immigration policies, including reducing legal support for migrants and limiting family reunification rules.
The League party has also demanded that the European Union relax its budget deficit rules because of the ongoing energy crisis linked to the Middle East conflict. Salvini said that current EU rules are too strict and not suitable during times of war, adding that Brussels leaders are disconnected from reality.
The rally will also include a short march in Milan. Farmers with tractors protesting free trade agreements and motorcyclists opposing traffic restrictions will lead the march from eastern Milan to the Duomo square.
This event is also important for the League party in Italy, especially in the Lombardy region, where its support has dropped in recent years. The party’s vote share has fallen from 17.35% in 2018 to 8.8% in 2022, and current polls show it at around 6% to 8%. It is also facing competition from a new party called “National Future,” founded by former general Roberto Vannacci, who left the League and now has about 3% support.
Several counter-protests are also planned in Milan on the same day, including anti-fascist demonstrations. Another coalition partner in Italy’s government, Forza Italia, is holding its own event in Milan focused on the social and civic participation of children of immigrants.
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