MILAN - Tens of thousands of people marched in rival far-right and anti-fascist demonstrations across Italy on Saturday, with isolated clashes flaring as tensions threatened to boil over ahead of next weekend's election. The group, formerly known as the Northern League, is part of ex-prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's right-wing coalition, which opinion polls suggest is leading ahead of the March 4 election. "We find it really shocking that two demonstrations by racist parties were authorised in Milan," said local activist Gianni Fossati. It's a key moment," said Diego Bazzano, a 30-year-old member of The League who turned up to the Milan rally. We can no longer take in people who come in from abroad and then commit crimes," he said.

Source: Bangkok Post February 24, 2018 20:48 UTC