Italy Is Just the Latest Country to Paint a Pretty Face on Fascism

Italy is providing the latest example that lipstick and a feminine touch can help sanitize and mainstream fascism.

Giorgia Meloni, the 45-year-old leader and co-founder of the Brothers of Italy Party, is set to become the country’s prime minister a month before the 100th anniversary of the infamous March on Rome that led to Mussolini’s fascist rule.

But unlike the jackbooted Il Duce, Meloni’s rise to power offers no bombastic displays of machismo.

Meloni wears warm pastel colors, rocks sneakers, is deeply inspired by Lord of the Rings (for all the wrong reasons), and flashes a charming smile in front of the camera. She presents as just a passionate Italian mother, promising Italians, “We won't betray your trust. We are ready to lift Italy up.”