Rachele Mussolini Resigns from Brothers of Italy

Rachele Mussolini, the granddaughter of Italy's wartime dictator, has left Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party due to its hardline stance on LGBTQ+ rights and other minority issues, which she finds too extreme. She will join Forza Italia, a more centrist party within Meloni's ruling coalition, reflecting her moderate sensibilities. Mussolini, who has a history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights, publicly defended Algerian boxer Imane Khelif against accusations related to her gender identity, further highlighting her disagreement with Meloni's views. The Brothers of Italy party, with roots in the post-war Italian Social Movement (MSI), has attempted to rebrand itself as mainstream conservative, but critics argue these efforts are superficial and do not address its rigid policies. Mussolini's defection is seen as a significant blow to Meloni, whose party is often associated with its neo-fascist origins. This shift underscores ongoing tensions within Italian politics regarding civil rights and the legacy of fascism.