Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni has put her name forward for the European election, leading her party lists — a common move for Italian politicians who seek to bolster party results in mid-mandate elections.

" Meloni told cheering party faithful at a party conference in the coastal city of Pescara to set out EU policies and launch the campaign. Meloni, whose party traces its roots to Benito Mussolini's Fascist group,

Giorgia Meloni made her announcement at a rally for her far-right party, on the same day dozens raised their arms in a fascist salute to honour dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.