"Lega Nord first rose to prominence in 2018, leaning hard on 'policies of anti-immigration and "Italians First,"' according to The Counter Extremism Project. The group is known for targeting immigrants, Southern Italians, LGBTQ+ citizens, the Roma community, and for its persistent elitism over non-Northern groups. The political party’s fascist ties are of particular concern among Italian citizens, whose rejection of fascism is woven deep into their culture and history."