Overview

• The Remigration Summit, promoting the mass expulsion of non-European residents, was held at Teatro Comunale Condominio in Gallarate on May 17 under private event classification.
• Italian Deputy PM Matteo Salvini and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi defended the event as an exercise of free speech, despite widespread criticism from opposition parties and activists.
• Counter-protests included a flash mob of 200 participants in Gallarate and a larger, violent demonstration in Milan involving over 1,000 protesters, tear gas, and water cannons.
• Danish far-right activist Rasmus Paludan was deported from Italy on May 16, prior to the summit, by order of the Prefetto di Varese, citing public safety concerns.
• The event highlighted deep divisions in Italy over immigration policy, with ruling party Lega’s tacit support fueling accusations of enabling xenophobic ideologies.