Italy's populist government is blocking plans by former White House adviser Steve Bannon to set up an academy for future populist leaders in a medieval monastery in the mountains outside of Rome. On Friday, Italy's government said it was revoking the rights to the property, which were given to the Dignitatis Humanae Institute, a think-tank affiliated with Bannon. Among other problems, Italy's culture ministry said the institute has not paid concession fees and failed to do maintenance work on the monastery. Plans to create the school for future populist leaders have been met by protests and local opposition. Opening the academy has been part of Bannon's plans to further spread his nationalist, populist ring-wing politics across Europe.

Source: ABC News June 01, 2019 13:58 UTC