Italy’s Far-Right Push for Remigration: How Neofascists Influence Mainstream Politics

The Evolution of Far-Right Strategy: From the Ballot Box to Agenda-Setting

For decades, neofascist movements in Europe struggled to translate street presence into electoral victory. In Italy, groups like CasaPound and Forza Nuova faced a harsh reality: during the 2018 elections, they failed to secure even 1% of the vote. Although, a strategic pivot is underway. Rather than attempting to win seats, these organizations are now focusing on “agenda-setting.”

The goal is no longer to govern directly, but to push radical proposals into the mainstream discourse, forcing governing parties to adopt more extreme positions to satisfy their base. This “Trojan Horse” approach allows fringe ideologies to influence national policy without the burden of electoral accountability.

The Rise of ‘Remigration’ as a Political Tool

One of the most potent concepts currently being pushed is “remigration.” Even as traditionally a fringe extreme-right idea—spread across Europe by figures such as Austria’s Martin Sellner—We see increasingly appearing in Italian political circles. Remigration goes beyond standard deportation of undocumented immigrants; it proposes a two-tiered system:

• Forced Expulsion: Making the immediate removal of all illegal residents a top government priority.
• Financial Incentives: Encouraging legal migrants to leave the country voluntarily in exchange for a financial bonus.

By framing this as a necessity to prevent “ethnic replacement”—a conspiracy theory suggesting that white, Christian populations are being deliberately replaced—these movements create a sense of urgency that appeals to a broader, more conservative electorate.

The Blurring Line Between Governing Parties and Neofascists

The distinction between “post-fascist” governing parties and “neofascist” street movements is becoming increasingly porous. In Italy, the relationship between the governing Fratelli d’Italia and groups like CasaPound is complex and often ambiguous.

While Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni often presents herself as a conventional conservative leader on the international stage, the ideological roots of her party remain tied to the MSI. This shared heritage creates a symbiotic relationship where governing politicians may publicly distance themselves from neofascism while privately sharing the same ideological goals regarding national identity and migration.

“Neofascists view governing parties as a golden opportunity to push through their own extreme ideas, even if they occasionally view those same parties as too liberal or pro-capitalist.”

This trend is evidenced by the participation of high-ranking officials—such as members of the Lega party and former government ministers—in conferences organized by neofascist committees. When governing officials share stages with those who openly identify as “fascists of the third millennium,” the social stigma surrounding these ideologies diminishes.

The Role of Digital Mobilization and Petitions

The shift toward agenda-setting is powered by modern mobilization techniques. The “Committee for Remigration and Recovery” demonstrates this by bypassing traditional party structures and going straight to the public via petitions. By collecting 150,000 signatures for a remigration bill, these groups create a “mandate” that is difficult for parliamentarians to ignore entirely.

This strategy transforms a marginal political group into a perceived representative of a significant public will, forcing a conversation on “remigration” even when it is not official government policy.

Future Trends to Watch

• The Normalization of ‘Ethnic Replacement’ Rhetoric: Expect to see more mainstream politicians using coded language around “demographic shifts” to signal alignment with far-right theories.
• Transnational Ideological Exchange: The coordination between Italian, Austrian, and other European far-right groups will likely increase, creating a unified “Remigration” front across the EU.
• Tactical Alliances: A continued trend of “entryism,” where radical groups provide the grassroots energy and “street muscle” for mainstream right-wing parties in exchange for policy concessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ‘Remigration’?

Remigration is an extreme-right concept that advocates for the forced expulsion of illegal immigrants and the incentivized voluntary departure of legal migrants to preserve the ethnic composition of a country.

What is CasaPound Italia?

CasaPound is a neofascist movement in Italy. Its name combines “casa” (house), reflecting its focus on housing rights for Italians over migrants, and “Pound,” referring to the fascist American poet Ezra Pound.

How do neofascists influence the government if they can’t win elections?

They use a strategy of agenda-setting, where they promote radical ideas through petitions, conferences, and street activism to pressure governing right-wing parties into adopting more extreme policies.

What do you think about the shift from electoral politics to agenda-setting in Europe? Does this make fringe movements more or less dangerous? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into political trends.