Italy's right-wing coalition is set to win the upcoming polls. this will be the fist right-wing government in Rome since Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party won almost a century ago.

Italy goes to polls on Sunday, Giorgia Meloni tipped to be next PM

Italy is gearing up for its most right-wing government since Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party won almost a century ago. Polling is underway and will continue till 23:00 (21:00 GMT) as&nbsp;Giorgia Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party looks set to become the first female prime minister of the country.&nbsp;

According to data, almost 51 million Italians are eligible to vote, of whom 4.7 million live abroad. Voters turning up to cast their votes today will be electing a slimmed-down parliament with the number of seats in the lower house cut to 400 from 630, while the Senate goes to 200 seats from 315.&nbsp;

Voters get two voting slips;&nbsp;one for the Senate and one for the lower house. They can only put one cross on each slip, with that vote counted for both the first-past-the-post and proportional representation segments.

When the election canvassing trail ended on Thursday, Meloni exuded confidence as she remarked,&nbsp;“We are the real majority of the country."

And there is a reason behind her confidence. One in every four Italian, according to the opinion polls, is planning to vote for Meloni and her party.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/italy-goes-to-polls-on-sunday-giorgia-meloni-tipped-to-be-next-pm-519360">Italy goes to polls on Sunday, Giorgia Meloni tipped to be next PM</a>

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It is pertinent to note that the election was called after infighting brought down Prime Minister Mario Draghi's national unity government in July.

Consequently, Brothers of Italy has seen a surge in its support after it remained outside Draghi's government. The League, led by Matteo Salvini, and Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia were both part of the government and their support has slipped.

In sharp contrast to anti-migrant Salvini and Berlusconi, who have both openly admired Russian President Vladimir Putin, Meloni backs military aid for Ukraine.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rightist-alliance-set-for-italian-election-victory-519261#who-will-win-519247">Rightist alliance set for Italian election victory</a>

Moreover, the parties on the right-end of the spectrum have been helped by divisions in the centre-left where attempts by the main Democratic Party (PD) to form a broad electoral alliance fell apart.

That has left three main groups in the centre or centre-left fighting for votes: the PD and its allies; the centrist Azione party and its Italia Viva partner; and finally 5-Star.

While this is the first election in the last five years, Italy's political landscape has always been chaotic. In the 77&nbsp;years since the end of World War II, the country has seen over 70 governments, roughly amounting to one government every thirteen months.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Italy is gearing up for its most right-wing government since Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party won almost a century ago. Polling is underway and will continue till 23:00 (21:00 GMT) as Giorgia Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party looks set to become the first female prime minister of the country.

Italy is gearing up for its most right-wing government since Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party won almost a century ago. Polling is underway and will continue till 23:00 (21:00 GMT) as Giorgia Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party looks set to become the first female prime minister of the country. According to data, almost 51 million Italians are eligible to vote, of whom 4.7 million live abroad. Voters turning up to cast their votes today will be electing a slimmed-down parliament with the number of seats in the lower house cut to 400 from 630, while the Senate goes to 200 seats from 315. Voters get two voting slips; one for the Senate and one for the lower house. They can only put one cross on each slip, with that vote counted for both the first-past-the-post and proportional representation segments. When the election canvassing trail ended on Thursday, Meloni exuded confidence as she remarked, “We are the real majority of the country." And there is a reason behind her confidence. One in every four Italian, according to the opinion polls, is planning to vote for Meloni and her party. WATCH | Italy goes to polls on Sunday, Giorgia Meloni tipped to be next PM × It is pertinent to note that the election was called after infighting brought down Prime Minister Mario Draghi's national unity government in July. Consequently, Brothers of Italy has seen a surge in its support after it remained outside Draghi's government. The League, led by Matteo Salvini, and Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia were both part of the government and their support has slipped. In sharp contrast to anti-migrant Salvini and Berlusconi, who have both openly admired Russian President Vladimir Putin, Meloni backs military aid for Ukraine. Read more: Rightist alliance set for Italian election victory Moreover, the parties on the right-end of the spectrum have been helped by divisions in the centre-left where attempts by the main Democratic Party (PD) to form a broad electoral alliance fell apart. That has left three main groups in the centre or centre-left fighting for votes: the PD and its allies; the centrist Azione party and its Italia Viva partner; and finally 5-Star. While this is the first election in the last five years, Italy's political landscape has always been chaotic. In the 77 years since the end of World War II, the country has seen over 70 governments, roughly amounting to one government every thirteen months. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Polling underway in Italy; far-right leader Giorgia Meloni expected to become the new PM

Italy Elections: Polls open as far right eyes historic victory, Giorgia Meloni tipped to be next PM

Italian artist Dario Gambarin has unveiled his latest piece which depicts a nuclear missile. Gambarin is known for creating images of prominent figures like Pope Francis.

Italian artist unveils latest work, giant artwork depicts nuclear missile

Italy's general elections to elect a new Parliament will be held on Sunday. The prediction is that the right-wing coalition will win and this will be the election where if Giorgia Meloni wins, she'll be the country's first woman Prime Minister.

Italy heads to polls; right-wing coalition likely to win

Italy's right-wing coalition is set to win the upcoming polls. this will be the fist right-wing government in Rome since Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party won almost a century ago. Priyanka Sharma tells you why Italy is on the brink of electing the right-wing coalition.

WION Fineprint | Italy set to get a right-wing government | Wion reports from Rome

The Brothers of Italy party, which is tipped to win national elections at the weekend, suspended one of its candidates after he was found to have praised Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler in online posts. Eric Njoka tells you more.

WION Fineprint | Brothers of Italy suspends candidate after online post praising Hitler

Who are the politicians vying to lead Italy’s next government?

Italy goes to the polls this weekend. In the south of the country, poverty levels and unemployment are comparatively high. Ahead of the upcoming elections, many voters feel they've been let down and left behind by the government.

Charity kitchen struggle to meet demand, rising inflation hits poor in southern Italy

The far-right Brothers of Italy (FDI), which is expected to win the elections this weekend, announced on Tuesday that one of its candidates had been suspended for glorifying Hitler.&nbsp;

After the vote on Sunday, Georgia Meloni, the leader of the FDI, could form Italy's first far-right administration. She has made an effort to distance herself from her party's neo-fascist origins without completely renunciating them.&nbsp;

The FDI announced in a statement that Calogero Pisano, the leader of the organisation in Agrigento, Sicily, and a member of the national leadership, has been "suspended with immediate effect."

"(He) no longer represents the party at any level and is forbidden from using its logo'," it added.

It further stated that Pisano had been called to appear before the party's leadership.&nbsp;

"Italy Above All"&nbsp;was written across a picture of Meloni that Pisano shared on Facebook in 2014.&nbsp;

Benito Mussolini, the fascist leader of Italy, was not the great statesman he was alluding to when he said, "This reminds me of a great statesman from 70 years ago," as he clarified underneath.&nbsp;

He has written other statements in favour of fascism.

Also Read:&nbsp;Israel: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-opium-residue-discovered-in-3500-year-old-pottery-proves-narcotic-use-in-funeral-518130">Opium residue discovered in 3,500-year-old pottery, proves narcotic use in funeral</a>

The Democratic Party's deputy leader Peppe Provenzano was the first to respond when the Facebook post was made public by the La Repubblica newspaper.&nbsp;

"Deep roots never freeze," he tweeted, pointing out that Brothers of Italy still uses the Italian Social Movement (MSI), a group founded by Mussolini followers after World War II, as the inspiration for their logo.&nbsp;

The leader of the Jewish community in Rome, Ruth Dureghello, remarked that it was "unacceptable for someone who praises Hitler to sit in&nbsp;parliament."&nbsp;

Meloni, a former MSI adolescent activist, claims that Fascist nostalgia has no place in her party.

(with inputs from agencies) 
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The far-right Brothers of Italy (FDI), which is expected to win the elections this weekend, announced on Tuesday that one of its candidates had been suspended for glorifying Hitler.

The far-right Brothers of Italy (FDI), which is expected to win the elections this weekend, announced on Tuesday that one of its candidates had been suspended for glorifying Hitler. After the vote on Sunday, Georgia Meloni, the leader of the FDI, could form Italy's first far-right administration. She has made an effort to distance herself from her party's neo-fascist origins without completely renunciating them. The FDI announced in a statement that Calogero Pisano, the leader of the organisation in Agrigento, Sicily, and a member of the national leadership, has been "suspended with immediate effect." "(He) no longer represents the party at any level and is forbidden from using its logo'," it added. It further stated that Pisano had been called to appear before the party's leadership. "Italy Above All" was written across a picture of Meloni that Pisano shared on Facebook in 2014. Benito Mussolini, the fascist leader of Italy, was not the great statesman he was alluding to when he said, "This reminds me of a great statesman from 70 years ago," as he clarified underneath. He has written other statements in favour of fascism. Also Read: Israel: Opium residue discovered in 3,500-year-old pottery, proves narcotic use in funeral The Democratic Party's deputy leader Peppe Provenzano was the first to respond when the Facebook post was made public by the La Repubblica newspaper. "Deep roots never freeze," he tweeted, pointing out that Brothers of Italy still uses the Italian Social Movement (MSI), a group founded by Mussolini followers after World War II, as the inspiration for their logo. The leader of the Jewish community in Rome, Ruth Dureghello, remarked that it was "unacceptable for someone who praises Hitler to sit in parliament." Meloni, a former MSI adolescent activist, claims that Fascist nostalgia has no place in her party. (with inputs from agencies)

Italy's far-right party with neo-fascist roots suspends candidate for praising Hitler

The streets of La Sanita in Naples rose to prominence with a hit mafia series. The locals there are trying to reinvent their image by promoting its lesser known gems.

Italy: Locals encourage domestic tourism, promotes lesser-known gems of Naples

At least 10 people have died in Italy as flash floods hit the country and a mud tsunami swallowed several victims alive.

After torrents had swept through several towns leaving a trail of trapped and damaged cars, residents were seen clearing mud from the streets in videos shared on social media.

According to the country's civil protection agency, around 400 millimetres (15.75 inches) of rain fell within two to three hours.

The mayor of Serra Sant'Abbondio Ludovico Caverni told RAI state radio that it was like an earthquake.

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While party chiefs campaigning for Italy's September&nbsp;25 election expressed their solidarity, the head of the national civil protection agency Fabrizio Curcio met local authorities in Marche's capital city of Ancona to assess the damage.

Blaming climate change for the torrential overnight rains, the Italian Society of Environmental Geology (SIGEA) said "It is an irreversible phenomenon, a taste of what our future will be."

Local media showed rescuers on rafts trying to evacuate people in the seaside town of Senigallia and reported that approximately 300 firefighters are currently operating in the central Italian region of Marche.

Calling the downpour was far stronger than had been forecast, the head of civil protection at Marche's regional government Stefano Aguzzi said "We were given a normal alert for rain, but nobody had expected anything like this."

Allowing local activists to participate in efforts to help the flood-hit communities, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party Enrico Letta said he would suspend campaigning in Marche "in a sign of mourning".

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least 10 people have died in Italy as flash floods hit the country and a mud tsunami swallowed several victims alive. After torrents had swept through several towns leaving a trail of trapped and damaged cars, residents were seen clearing mud from the streets in videos shared on social media.

At least 10 people have died in Italy as flash floods hit the country and a mud tsunami swallowed several victims alive. After torrents had swept through several towns leaving a trail of trapped and damaged cars, residents were seen clearing mud from the streets in videos shared on social media. According to the country's civil protection agency, around 400 millimetres (15.75 inches) of rain fell within two to three hours. The mayor of Serra Sant'Abbondio Ludovico Caverni told RAI state radio that it was like an earthquake. × While party chiefs campaigning for Italy's September 25 election expressed their solidarity, the head of the national civil protection agency Fabrizio Curcio met local authorities in Marche's capital city of Ancona to assess the damage. Blaming climate change for the torrential overnight rains, the Italian Society of Environmental Geology (SIGEA) said "It is an irreversible phenomenon, a taste of what our future will be." Local media showed rescuers on rafts trying to evacuate people in the seaside town of Senigallia and reported that approximately 300 firefighters are currently operating in the central Italian region of Marche. Calling the downpour was far stronger than had been forecast, the head of civil protection at Marche's regional government Stefano Aguzzi said "We were given a normal alert for rain, but nobody had expected anything like this." Allowing local activists to participate in efforts to help the flood-hit communities, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party Enrico Letta said he would suspend campaigning in Marche "in a sign of mourning". (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Italy: At least 10 dead as mud tsunami swallows victims alive

During the night time, the central Italian region of Marche was hit by deadly torrential rain and floods. It killed at least 10 people and several others went missing.

WION Climate Tracker | Flood sweeps through several Italian towns

Hi divers and an Italian stunt pilot performed a synchronized flight and dive on Wednesday. The performance which the organizers said was the first of its kind.

Synchronised flight and dive show takes place in Polignano A Mare

Days after the popular children's TV show Peppa Pig made history by introducing its first same-sex couple, an Italian political leader demanded an immediate ban on the cartoon series.

Days after the popular children's TV show Peppa Pig made history by introducing its first same-sex couple, an Italian political leader demanded an immediate ban on the cartoon series. Reportedly, Federico Mollicone, a senior leader of Brothers of Italy, a far-right Italian political party, stated that it would be 'unacceptable' to air the episode in Italy and appealed to the state broadcaster 'Rai' to ban the same. “We cannot accept gender indoctrination. Once again the politically correct has struck, at the expense of our children. Can’t children just be children?” said Mollicone. “We ask Rai, which buys the rights to the Peppa Pig series in Italy with a fee from all Italians, not to broadcast the episode in question on any channel or web platform,” he further added. It is pertinent to note that Mollicone's party is touted to win the upcoming elections. Giorgia Meloni, the top leader of Brothers of Italy is against same-sex parenting as well as marriage. Thus, even if the state broadcasters do not remove the episode right away, it would be taken off when the party assumes power. The episode has already aired in the UK As reported by WION, an episode titled 'Families' aired for the first time in the UK on Tuesday, showed two co-parenting same-sex polar bears. It was for the first time in the show's 18-year long history that an LGTBQ+ couple had found a mention. "I'm Penny Polar Bear. I live with my mummy and my other mummy. One mummy is a doctor and one mummy cooks spaghetti. I love spaghetti," announces Penny. Read more: Peppa Pig creates history as it introduces its first same-sex couple Peppa Pig, which debuted on TV in May 2004, is one of the TV shows most watched by pre-schoolers worldwide. The show is about the titular characters enjoying day-to-day activities. The series also includes Peppa's friends, Suzi Sheep and Danny Dog and Penny Polar Bear. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Italian politician demands ban on Peppa Pig episode showing same-sex couple

Stellantis will halt its Sevel van making plant in central Italy for three days due to a shortage in supplies of parts, a spokesman for the carmaker said on Tuesday.

Stellantis to halt production in Italy amid supply shortages

If you’ve ever fantasised about moving to an Italian island, now’s your chance. Sardinia is offering people a mammoth €15,000 to relocate. But there's a catch. Molly Gambhir tells you.

WION Fineprint | Why is Sardania paying people to relocate?

Let us take a look at stories generating interest across WION's social media channels.

Trending on WION: Italian man detected with Covid-19, Monkeypox and HIV at the same time

A dramatic video of a 40-metre superyacht sinking went viral on social media platforms. The moment, which was captured on Saturday (August 20), stunned people. The yacht sank in the Gulf of Squillace, about nine nautical miles off the coast of Catanzaro, in southern Italy.&nbsp;

Reports have mentioned that all four passengers and five crew members were rescued from the vessel by the Crotone Coast Guard coordinated rescue efforts.&nbsp;

However, the yacht could not be saved.&nbsp;

LISTEN IN | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/listen-in-nasa-reshares-the-eerie-and-haunting-sound-of-a-black-hole-509528">NASA reshares the eerie and haunting sound of a black hole</a>&nbsp;

The vessel, flying the Cayman Island flag but with an Italian crew, was heading from Gallipoli to Milazzo when the horrific incident occurred.&nbsp;

An investigation has been opened, as the reason why the yacht sank is unclear so far.&nbsp;

Video from the Coast Guard showed the yacht tilting and finally sinking.&nbsp;

Watch it here:&nbsp;

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This is the dramatic moment a 130ft super <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yacht?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yacht</a> sank off the coast of southern <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Italy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Italy</a> after getting into trouble late at night. 
Four passengers and one crew member - all <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Italian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Italian</a> - were immediately taken off the yacht.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CatanzaroMarina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CatanzaroMarina</a> . 
📹-GuardiaCostiera <a href="https://t.co/RDV541YXzH">pic.twitter.com/RDV541YXzH</a>
— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) <a href="https://twitter.com/sirajnoorani/status/1562112931013091328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Sky News reported that worsening weather conditions made it next to impossible for a rescue tugboat to bring the yacht to safety.&nbsp;

Media reports also mentioned that the crew were transferred to the coastguard patrol boat to be taken to Catanzaro Marina port.&nbsp;

According to Super Yacht Times, the vessel named My Saga, was built in Italy in 2007 as Yuko.&nbsp;

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A dramatic video of a 40-metre superyacht sinking went viral on social media platforms. The moment, which was captured on Saturday (August 20), stunned people. The yacht sank in the Gulf of Squillace, about nine nautical miles off the coast of Catanzaro, in southern Italy.

A dramatic video of a 40-metre superyacht sinking went viral on social media platforms. The moment, which was captured on Saturday (August 20), stunned people. The yacht sank in the Gulf of Squillace, about nine nautical miles off the coast of Catanzaro, in southern Italy. Reports have mentioned that all four passengers and five crew members were rescued from the vessel by the Crotone Coast Guard coordinated rescue efforts. However, the yacht could not be saved. LISTEN IN | NASA reshares the eerie and haunting sound of a black hole The vessel, flying the Cayman Island flag but with an Italian crew, was heading from Gallipoli to Milazzo when the horrific incident occurred. An investigation has been opened, as the reason why the yacht sank is unclear so far. Video from the Coast Guard showed the yacht tilting and finally sinking. Watch it here: This is the dramatic moment a 130ft super #Yacht sank off the coast of southern #Italy after getting into trouble late at night. Four passengers and one crew member - all #Italian - were immediately taken off the yacht.#CatanzaroMarina . 📹-GuardiaCostiera pic.twitter.com/RDV541YXzH — Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) August 23, 2022 × ALSO READ | Mind-blowing images of Jupiter taken by James Webb telescope released by NASA Sky News reported that worsening weather conditions made it next to impossible for a rescue tugboat to bring the yacht to safety. Media reports also mentioned that the crew were transferred to the coastguard patrol boat to be taken to Catanzaro Marina port. According to Super Yacht Times, the vessel named My Saga, was built in Italy in 2007 as Yuko. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch nerve-racking moment when a superyacht sinks off the coast of Italy

After a rape video posted by Italy's Prime Minister hopeful&nbsp;Giorgia Meloni received widespread criticism, Twitter on Tuesday deleted the video. The post shared by Meloni was removed and replaced with a comment,&nbsp;"This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules."

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As reported by WION, the far-right leader on Monday posted&nbsp;a video which showed a Ukrainian refugee being sexually assaulted on the streets of Italy.&nbsp;

The video&nbsp;was reportedly shot by someone in a flat with a view of the street. The attacker was later taken into custody.

Read more<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/election-strategy-or-clickbait-voyeurism-italian-pm-hopeful-posts-rape-video-on-twitter-509391">:&nbsp;Election strategy or 'clickbait voyeurism'? Italian PM hopeful posts rape video on Twitter</a>

Along with the tweet, Meloni reportedly wrote, "One cannot remain silent in the face of this atrocious episode of sexual violence against a Ukrainian woman carried out in daytime in Piacenza by an asylum seeker."&nbsp;

“A hug to this woman. I will do everything I can to restore security to our cities," she added.

Enrico Letta, the head of the Democratic Party called Meloni's use of the video "indecent" and said that "respect of the victim comes first."

Meloni, however, claimed on Facebook that her competitors had used the rape to attack her while ignoring the victim to avoid dealing with what she called the immigration issue.

"I am honestly ashamed of political leaders who, while using rape to attack me, do not spend a word of solidarity for the victim, obviously for fear of having to face the issue of the security emergency aggravated by immigration illegal by the masses."

Read more: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-giorgia-meloni-italys-far-right-leader-tipped-to-become-first-female-prime-minister-500815">Who is Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s far-right leader tipped to become first female Prime Minister?</a>

Meanwhile, the Italian police, along with state watchdog tasked with the protection of personal data is investigating the dissemination of the gruesome video.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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After a rape video posted by Italy's Prime Minister hopeful Giorgia Meloni received widespread criticism, Twitter on Tuesday deleted the video. The post shared by Meloni was removed and replaced with a comment, "This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules.

After a rape video posted by Italy's Prime Minister hopeful Giorgia Meloni received widespread criticism, Twitter on Tuesday deleted the video. The post shared by Meloni was removed and replaced with a comment, "This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules." As reported by WION, the far-right leader on Monday posted a video which showed a Ukrainian refugee being sexually assaulted on the streets of Italy. The video was reportedly shot by someone in a flat with a view of the street. The attacker was later taken into custody. Read more: Election strategy or 'clickbait voyeurism'? Italian PM hopeful posts rape video on Twitter Along with the tweet, Meloni reportedly wrote, "One cannot remain silent in the face of this atrocious episode of sexual violence against a Ukrainian woman carried out in daytime in Piacenza by an asylum seeker." “A hug to this woman. I will do everything I can to restore security to our cities," she added. Enrico Letta, the head of the Democratic Party called Meloni's use of the video "indecent" and said that "respect of the victim comes first." Meloni, however, claimed on Facebook that her competitors had used the rape to attack her while ignoring the victim to avoid dealing with what she called the immigration issue. "I am honestly ashamed of political leaders who, while using rape to attack me, do not spend a word of solidarity for the victim, obviously for fear of having to face the issue of the security emergency aggravated by immigration illegal by the masses." Read more: Who is Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s far-right leader tipped to become first female Prime Minister? Meanwhile, the Italian police, along with state watchdog tasked with the protection of personal data is investigating the dissemination of the gruesome video. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Rape video posted by Italian PM hopeful Giorgia Meloni deleted by Twitter

Watch the nerve-racking moment when a 40-metre long superyacht sank off the coast of Italy in the Gulf of Squillace. Italian coast guards have rescued all 9 people who were on board.

40-metre super yacht sinks in the Gulf of Squillace

Another day, another politician, another controversial tweet. This time at the centre of this storm is Giorgia Meloni who is leading the race to become Italy's next Prime Minister.&nbsp;

The politician who as per the publication Jezebel "opposes abortion rights, has spoken out against same-sex marriage, and recently recorded a statement, in three languages, trying to convince the world that she is not a threat to democracy" has been accused of shameful election conduct, exploiting a rape victim.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-giorgia-meloni-italys-far-right-leader-tipped-to-become-first-female-prime-minister-500815">Who is Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s far-right leader tipped to become first female Prime Minister?</a>

On Monday, the Brothers of Italy party's Meloni, who could very well become Italy's first female prime minister tweeted a video which showed a Ukrainian refugee being sexually assaulted on the streets of Italy.

The Guardian reported that local authorities in Piacenza have confirmed that a 55-year-old woman was attacked early on Sunday on a pavement. The video was reportedly shot by someone in a flat with a view of the street. The attacker was later taken into custody.

Watch |&nbsp;Italy Elections: Brothers of Italy lead with 23% in opinion polls

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Along with the tweet, Meloni reportedly wrote "One cannot remain silent in the face of this atrocious episode of sexual violence against a Ukrainian woman carried out in daytime in Piacenza by an asylum seeker."&nbsp;

“A hug to this woman. I will do everything I can to restore security to our cities," she added.

The tweet almost immediately received a backlash, drawing a barrage of criticism online, especially from Meloni’s political opponents.

Enrico Letta, the head of the Democratic party called Meloni's use of the video "indecent" and said that "respect persons and victims comes first."

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Indecente usare immagini di uno <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stupro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stupro</a>. Indecente ancora di più farlo a fini elettori. Il <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rispetto?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rispetto</a> delle persone e delle vittime viene prima di ogni cosa.
— Enrico Letta (@EnricoLetta) <a href="https://twitter.com/EnricoLetta/status/1561622735863877638?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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As per Guardian Igiaba Scego, a prominent Italian writer of Somali heritage termed it "clickbait voyeurism" and accused Meloni of exploiting the rape victim for her electoral campaign.

Former Minister of Economic Development, Carlo Calenda called the use of the rape video unworthy. "Reporting a rape is one thing. Using the video for election purposes is simply unworthy."

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Denunciare uno stupro è una cosa. Utilizzarne il video per scopi elettorali è semplicemente una cosa indegna. <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GiorgiaMeloni</a> hai fatto una cosa indecente. <a href="https://t.co/EEfHphRB0m">pic.twitter.com/EEfHphRB0m</a>
— Carlo Calenda (@CarloCalenda) <a href="https://twitter.com/CarloCalenda/status/1561712559362920448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Meloni however claimed on Facebook that her competitors had used the rape to attack her while ignoring the victim to avoid dealing with what she called the immigration issue.&nbsp;

"I am honestly ashamed of political leaders who, while using rape to attack me, do not spend a word of solidarity for the victim, obviously for fear of having to face the issue of the security emergency aggravated by immigration illegal by the masses."

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(With inputs from agencies)

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Another day, another politician, another controversial tweet. This time at the centre of this storm is Giorgia Meloni who is leading the race to become Italy's next Prime Minister.

Another day, another politician, another controversial tweet. This time at the centre of this storm is Giorgia Meloni who is leading the race to become Italy's next Prime Minister. The politician who as per the publication Jezebel "opposes abortion rights, has spoken out against same-sex marriage, and recently recorded a statement, in three languages, trying to convince the world that she is not a threat to democracy" has been accused of shameful election conduct, exploiting a rape victim. Also read | Who is Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s far-right leader tipped to become first female Prime Minister? On Monday, the Brothers of Italy party's Meloni, who could very well become Italy's first female prime minister tweeted a video which showed a Ukrainian refugee being sexually assaulted on the streets of Italy. The Guardian reported that local authorities in Piacenza have confirmed that a 55-year-old woman was attacked early on Sunday on a pavement. The video was reportedly shot by someone in a flat with a view of the street. The attacker was later taken into custody. Watch | Italy Elections: Brothers of Italy lead with 23% in opinion polls Along with the tweet, Meloni reportedly wrote "One cannot remain silent in the face of this atrocious episode of sexual violence against a Ukrainian woman carried out in daytime in Piacenza by an asylum seeker." “A hug to this woman. I will do everything I can to restore security to our cities," she added. The tweet almost immediately received a backlash, drawing a barrage of criticism online, especially from Meloni’s political opponents. Enrico Letta, the head of the Democratic party called Meloni's use of the video "indecent" and said that "respect persons and victims comes first." Indecente usare immagini di uno #stupro. Indecente ancora di più farlo a fini elettori. Il #rispetto delle persone e delle vittime viene prima di ogni cosa. — Enrico Letta (@EnricoLetta) August 22, 2022 × As per Guardian Igiaba Scego, a prominent Italian writer of Somali heritage termed it "clickbait voyeurism" and accused Meloni of exploiting the rape victim for her electoral campaign. Former Minister of Economic Development, Carlo Calenda called the use of the rape video unworthy. "Reporting a rape is one thing. Using the video for election purposes is simply unworthy." Denunciare uno stupro è una cosa. Utilizzarne il video per scopi elettorali è semplicemente una cosa indegna. @GiorgiaMeloni hai fatto una cosa indecente. pic.twitter.com/EEfHphRB0m — Carlo Calenda (@CarloCalenda) August 22, 2022 × Meloni however claimed on Facebook that her competitors had used the rape to attack her while ignoring the victim to avoid dealing with what she called the immigration issue. "I am honestly ashamed of political leaders who, while using rape to attack me, do not spend a word of solidarity for the victim, obviously for fear of having to face the issue of the security emergency aggravated by immigration illegal by the masses." × (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Election strategy or 'clickbait voyeurism'? Italian PM hopeful posts rape video on Twitter

After heatwave, wildfires and drought, Europe has now been battered by powerful storms. France, Italy and Austria have been affected, at least 12 people have died. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: After heatwave, wildfires and drought, powerful storms now batter Europe

An Italian farm became an open-air morgue earlier this month after around 50 cows were poisoned by young sorghum plants, an accident experts blame on drought.

The Piedmontese cattle on the farm in Sommariva del Bosco, near Turin in northwest Italy, died suddenly due to acute prussic acid poisoning on August 6, according to the local IZS animal welfare body.

This acid comes from dhurrin, which is naturally present in young sorghum plants, although not in the same high concentrations as those found in samples taken at the site.

"We suspect that the drought caused this very large quantity of dhurrin within the sorghum plants," said Stefano Giantin, a vet at the&nbsp;Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale for northwest Italy, who is on the case.

With normal growing plants, the amount of dhurrin would lower as the plants grew larger. But since the ongoing drought has stunted the growth of sorghum plants, dhurrin has concentrated inside them.&nbsp;

Prussic acid poisoning in cattle is quick and brutal, with symptoms occurring 10-15 minutes after ingestion and death some 15-30 minutes later. It causes respiratory, nervous and muscular disorders.

Dhurrin naturally occurs in sorghum, particularly in young shoots that use it as a defence against herbivores, but when digested, releases prussic acid, also known as hydrogen cyanide.

But "normally, it doesn't cause death", Giantin told AFP.

In the samples taken from Sommariva del Bosco, the concentration of dhurrin in the shoots was at an unusually high level, which Giantin said appeared to be the result of the drought that has hit Italy and much of Europe this summer.

A dose of more than 700 mg/kg of prussic acid is considered fatal for cattle, but the animals at Sommariva were found to have quantities of more than 900 mg/kg in their blood.

The only way of saving affected cows is to inject them with sodium thiosulfate, to neutralise the hyrogen cyanide.

With this, experts were able to save around 30 cows on August 11, when three more farms in Piedmont were hit by the same phenomenon — though not before 14 died.

An Italian farm became an open-air morgue earlier this month after around 50 cows were poisoned by young sorghum plants, an accident experts blame on drought. The Piedmontese cattle on the farm in Sommariva del Bosco, near Turin in northwest Italy, died suddenly due to acute prussic acid poisoning on August 6, according to the local IZS animal welfare body.

An Italian farm became an open-air morgue earlier this month after around 50 cows were poisoned by young sorghum plants, an accident experts blame on drought. The Piedmontese cattle on the farm in Sommariva del Bosco, near Turin in northwest Italy, died suddenly due to acute prussic acid poisoning on August 6, according to the local IZS animal welfare body. This acid comes from dhurrin, which is naturally present in young sorghum plants, although not in the same high concentrations as those found in samples taken at the site. "We suspect that the drought caused this very large quantity of dhurrin within the sorghum plants," said Stefano Giantin, a vet at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale for northwest Italy, who is on the case. With normal growing plants, the amount of dhurrin would lower as the plants grew larger. But since the ongoing drought has stunted the growth of sorghum plants, dhurrin has concentrated inside them. Prussic acid poisoning in cattle is quick and brutal, with symptoms occurring 10-15 minutes after ingestion and death some 15-30 minutes later. It causes respiratory, nervous and muscular disorders. Dhurrin naturally occurs in sorghum, particularly in young shoots that use it as a defence against herbivores, but when digested, releases prussic acid, also known as hydrogen cyanide. But "normally, it doesn't cause death", Giantin told AFP. In the samples taken from Sommariva del Bosco, the concentration of dhurrin in the shoots was at an unusually high level, which Giantin said appeared to be the result of the drought that has hit Italy and much of Europe this summer. A dose of more than 700 mg/kg of prussic acid is considered fatal for cattle, but the animals at Sommariva were found to have quantities of more than 900 mg/kg in their blood. The only way of saving affected cows is to inject them with sodium thiosulfate, to neutralise the hyrogen cyanide. With this, experts were able to save around 30 cows on August 11, when three more farms in Piedmont were hit by the same phenomenon — though not before 14 died.

Drought blamed for dozens of cow poisoning deaths in Italy

The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda, has been reduced to nearly its lowest level ever recorded as a result of the worst drought&nbsp;experienced in decades. This has exposed large areas of previously submerged rocks and caused the water to warm to temperatures that are similar to those of the Caribbean Sea.

For the start of Italy's important summer long weekend, tourists flocked to the well-known northern lake on Friday, but they discovered a very different landscape than in previous years.

Beyond the typical shoreline, a long length of bleached rock surrounded the southern Sirmione Peninsula with a yellow halo in contrast to the water's green tint and the shore's greenery.

"We came last year, we liked it, and we came back this year,” tourist Beatrice Masi said as she sat on the rocks. “We found the landscape had changed a lot. We were a bit shocked when we arrived because we had our usual walk around, and the water wasn’t there.”

Important rivers like the Po, which runs through Italy's agricultural and industrial core, have dried up as a result of months without any major rainfall in northern Italy and a 70% decrease in snowfall this year. This summer, droughts have affected farmers and shippers in numerous European nations, including Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and Britain. As a result, water use has been restricted in many of these nations.

Farmers who typically use the Po to irrigate fields and rice paddies have already lost billions of euros as a result of the river's dry condition.

Also read |&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/21000-fish-killed-due-to-catastrophic-failure-at-california-university-506452">21,000 fish killed due to ‘catastrophic failure’ at California university</a>

The lake was 32 centimetres above the water table on Friday, close to the record lows in 2003 and 2007. Rivers were receiving 45 cubic metres of water each second.

Garda Mayor Davide Bedinelli said that he had to defend both the agricultural sector and the tourism sector. Despite cancellations, especially from German tourists, during Italy's most recent heat wave in late July, he asserted that the summer tourism season was performing better than anticipated.&nbsp;

“Drought is a fact that we have to deal with this year, but the tourist season is in no danger,” Bendinelli wrote in a July 20 Facebook post.

He verified that there was a daily water loss of two millimetres from the lake.

According to seatemperature.org, the lake's temperature has been higher than usual for August. On Friday, the water temperature in the Garda reached close to 26 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit), which is significantly higher than the usual August temperature of 22°C and almost equal to the average of roughly 27°C&nbsp;for the Caribbean Sea.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda, has been reduced to nearly its lowest level ever recorded as a result of the worst drought experienced in decades. This has exposed large areas of previously submerged rocks and caused the water to warm to temperatures that are similar to those of the Caribbean Sea.

The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda, has been reduced to nearly its lowest level ever recorded as a result of the worst drought experienced in decades. This has exposed large areas of previously submerged rocks and caused the water to warm to temperatures that are similar to those of the Caribbean Sea. For the start of Italy's important summer long weekend, tourists flocked to the well-known northern lake on Friday, but they discovered a very different landscape than in previous years. Beyond the typical shoreline, a long length of bleached rock surrounded the southern Sirmione Peninsula with a yellow halo in contrast to the water's green tint and the shore's greenery. "We came last year, we liked it, and we came back this year,” tourist Beatrice Masi said as she sat on the rocks. “We found the landscape had changed a lot. We were a bit shocked when we arrived because we had our usual walk around, and the water wasn’t there.” Important rivers like the Po, which runs through Italy's agricultural and industrial core, have dried up as a result of months without any major rainfall in northern Italy and a 70% decrease in snowfall this year. This summer, droughts have affected farmers and shippers in numerous European nations, including Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and Britain. As a result, water use has been restricted in many of these nations. Farmers who typically use the Po to irrigate fields and rice paddies have already lost billions of euros as a result of the river's dry condition. Also read | 21,000 fish killed due to ‘catastrophic failure’ at California university The lake was 32 centimetres above the water table on Friday, close to the record lows in 2003 and 2007. Rivers were receiving 45 cubic metres of water each second. Garda Mayor Davide Bedinelli said that he had to defend both the agricultural sector and the tourism sector. Despite cancellations, especially from German tourists, during Italy's most recent heat wave in late July, he asserted that the summer tourism season was performing better than anticipated. “Drought is a fact that we have to deal with this year, but the tourist season is in no danger,” Bendinelli wrote in a July 20 Facebook post. He verified that there was a daily water loss of two millimetres from the lake. According to seatemperature.org, the lake's temperature has been higher than usual for August. On Friday, the water temperature in the Garda reached close to 26 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit), which is significantly higher than the usual August temperature of 22°C and almost equal to the average of roughly 27°C for the Caribbean Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy's Lake Garda shrinks close to record lows due to drought

Domino's has closed the last of its local stores in Italy, the American Pizza giant blamed the reduced demand, increase in competition in food-delivery market and pandemic, the reasons behind closing its chain.

Domino's American style menu exits Italy, fails to impress Italians

Anti-Fascist groups in Italy have been criticising wine shops in Remini for selling wine bottles with Adolf Hitler’s face on them. Despite the criticism, the wine shops will continue to sell them. The wine is from Vina Lunardelli’s&nbsp;Historical Series made in Italy. The collection includes dictators from Napoleon to Hitler.

Andrea Grassi, the mayor of the city, said that he had no legal authority to control the products. He further stated that the bottles have been the subject of prior complaints. He asserted that his mayoral jurisdiction does not have the authority to address the issue, arguing that whenever a local government has taken a decision against such fascist products, it has been overruled by the courts in the past.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/adolf-hitlers-wristwatch-sells-for-11million-502454">Adolf Hitler’s wristwatch sells for $1.1million</a>

An exclusive video was received by the World Jewish Congress in which the wine shop owner was attempting to attack a bystander who was exposing the bottle of the Nazi leader. The “Der Fuhrer” collection of images of Hitler and Nazi slogans, along with other notorious members, has been asserted as ‘joke presents’ by the business. The Lunardelli website claims that the series accounts for nearly half of their wine production.

Grassi, in conversation with the Times of Israel, said, “We receive reports like this at least five to six times a year.” He continued, “As long as a new law is not approved, all attempts at [action by the municipality] can achieve nothing,” the World Jewish Congress reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hitlers-doctor-treated-nazi-dictators-voice-after-he-gave-speeches-to-whip-up-support-for-his-regime-485343">Hitler's doctor treated Nazi dictator's voice after he gave speeches to whip up support for his regime</a>

Since the introduction of the Historical Series in 1995, the goods have been dogged by controversy, and in 2013, the Simon Wiesenthal Centre called for a boycott of the winemaker.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Anti-Fascist groups in Italy have been criticising wine shops in Remini for selling wine bottles with Adolf Hitler’s face on them. Despite the criticism, the wine shops will continue to sell them.

Anti-Fascist groups in Italy have been criticising wine shops in Remini for selling wine bottles with Adolf Hitler’s face on them. Despite the criticism, the wine shops will continue to sell them. The wine is from Vina Lunardelli’s Historical Series made in Italy. The collection includes dictators from Napoleon to Hitler. Andrea Grassi, the mayor of the city, said that he had no legal authority to control the products. He further stated that the bottles have been the subject of prior complaints. He asserted that his mayoral jurisdiction does not have the authority to address the issue, arguing that whenever a local government has taken a decision against such fascist products, it has been overruled by the courts in the past. Also read | Adolf Hitler’s wristwatch sells for $1.1million An exclusive video was received by the World Jewish Congress in which the wine shop owner was attempting to attack a bystander who was exposing the bottle of the Nazi leader. The “Der Fuhrer” collection of images of Hitler and Nazi slogans, along with other notorious members, has been asserted as ‘joke presents’ by the business. The Lunardelli website claims that the series accounts for nearly half of their wine production. Grassi, in conversation with the Times of Israel, said, “We receive reports like this at least five to six times a year.” He continued, “As long as a new law is not approved, all attempts at [action by the municipality] can achieve nothing,” the World Jewish Congress reported. Also read | Hitler's doctor treated Nazi dictator's voice after he gave speeches to whip up support for his regime Since the introduction of the Historical Series in 1995, the goods have been dogged by controversy, and in 2013, the Simon Wiesenthal Centre called for a boycott of the winemaker. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Italian wine bottles with faces of Adolf Hitler, other dictators on sale despite backlash

Italy is taking Slovenia to court over balsamic vinegar production. Italy says Slovenian plans to ‘standardise’ the name threaten traditional producers in Modena. Molly Gambhir tells you all about this courtroom showdown.

WION Fineprint: Italy takes Slovenia to court over balsamic vinegar

Seven years after entering Italy, the homeland of pizza and pizza lovers, Domino's Pizza has had to say a bitter goodbye. Reportedly, after failing to ace the Italian market, the US fast food giant is exiting Italy after closing the last of its 29 stores in the region on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Domino's entered the Italian market in 2015 thinking it could serve the traditional Italian dish with its American twist, including pineapple as a topping. The Michigan-based food chain had ambitious plans to expand in the Italian market by opening 800 stores.

However, the franchise, fast-food style of making pizzas did not go down well with the Italians who preferred the rustic, homemade feel of pizzas. It didn't help that a global pandemic wrecked Domino's business strategy as Italian pizzamakers also took the delivery route.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Domino's had partnered up with ePizza SpA in a franchising agreement and sought to use its delivery prowess to outmuscle the market.

The tables turned after the pandemic

However, as the pandemic arrived, the traditional Italian pizza makers soon caught up by scaling their deliveries through partnerships with modern third-party delivery aggregators such as Just Eat, Takeaway.com, Glovo and Deliveroo Plc amongst others.&nbsp;

Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-real-life-superman-saves-fives-kids-from-a-burning-house-499996">Real life superman aka Pizza delivery boy saves fives kids from a burning house</a>

Domino's was never going to compete in the taste race with the Italian pizzamakers. It relied on its delivery speed and the ability to be ubiquitous -- a formula that has worked effectively around the planet.

However, Italy turned out to be difficult dough to knead for the American company. Even in its last year's fourth-quarter report, Domino's franchise partner had noted the increased competition.

“We attribute the issue to the significantly increased level of competition in the food delivery market with both organized chains and ‘mom &amp; pop’ restaurants delivering food, to service and restaurants reopening post-pandemic and consumers out and about with revenge spending." said ePizza in its report.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/eating-chips-drinking-sugary-beverages-has-very-low-environmental-impact-study-505119">Eating chips, drinking sugary beverages have very low environmental impact: Study</a>

As of 2020, Domino's operations in Italy had an outstanding debt of $10.8 million. It was only after the company knocked on the doors of a court in Milan that it was able to fend off the creditors for some time.

However, the relief expired last month and Domino's decided to drop the shutter altogether on its remaining branches.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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&nbsp;

Seven years after entering Italy, the homeland of pizza and pizza lovers, Domino's Pizza has had to say a bitter goodbye. Reportedly, after failing to ace the Italian market, the US fast food giant is exiting Italy after closing the last of its 29 stores in the region on Tuesday.

Seven years after entering Italy, the homeland of pizza and pizza lovers, Domino's Pizza has had to say a bitter goodbye. Reportedly, after failing to ace the Italian market, the US fast food giant is exiting Italy after closing the last of its 29 stores in the region on Tuesday. Domino's entered the Italian market in 2015 thinking it could serve the traditional Italian dish with its American twist, including pineapple as a topping. The Michigan-based food chain had ambitious plans to expand in the Italian market by opening 800 stores. However, the franchise, fast-food style of making pizzas did not go down well with the Italians who preferred the rustic, homemade feel of pizzas. It didn't help that a global pandemic wrecked Domino's business strategy as Italian pizzamakers also took the delivery route. Reportedly, Domino's had partnered up with ePizza SpA in a franchising agreement and sought to use its delivery prowess to outmuscle the market. The tables turned after the pandemic However, as the pandemic arrived, the traditional Italian pizza makers soon caught up by scaling their deliveries through partnerships with modern third-party delivery aggregators such as Just Eat, Takeaway.com, Glovo and Deliveroo Plc amongst others. Watch: Real life superman aka Pizza delivery boy saves fives kids from a burning house Domino's was never going to compete in the taste race with the Italian pizzamakers. It relied on its delivery speed and the ability to be ubiquitous -- a formula that has worked effectively around the planet. However, Italy turned out to be difficult dough to knead for the American company. Even in its last year's fourth-quarter report, Domino's franchise partner had noted the increased competition. “We attribute the issue to the significantly increased level of competition in the food delivery market with both organized chains and ‘mom & pop’ restaurants delivering food, to service and restaurants reopening post-pandemic and consumers out and about with revenge spending." said ePizza in its report. Read more: Eating chips, drinking sugary beverages have very low environmental impact: Study As of 2020, Domino's operations in Italy had an outstanding debt of $10.8 million. It was only after the company knocked on the doors of a court in Milan that it was able to fend off the creditors for some time. However, the relief expired last month and Domino's decided to drop the shutter altogether on its remaining branches. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Domino's Pizza packs its bags and leaves Italy after failing to ace the market

After seven years, Domino's pizza bids adieu to Italy. The American pizza franchise has closed all its local stores after it failed to win over Italians with its mass-produced pizzas.

American pizza chain Domino's bids adieu to Italy after 7 years

Italy's military experts have now carried out what is being described as a controlled explosion of a World War II bomb that was previously submerged in the country's Po river. The bomb was found in the month of July earlier this year by fisherman on the bank of the river due to a decrease in the water levels caused by the drought.

Italy: Dried-up river reveals 450 kg unexploded bomb

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