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Italy’s “Sardines”, tens of thousands of protesters against the right-wing party of former Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, have gathered in Rome for what is billed as their biggest rally yet.
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Reuters
They call themselves the Sardines because of the crowds that have packed themselves tightly like the fish into squares across Italy.
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Reuters
The protest began a month ago as a flash mob in the northern city of Bologna against Mr Salvini, the leader of the League party, who aims to win a regional election there next month.
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Reuters
It has now become a movement against the League’s anti-immigrant policies: a popular uprising against populism, the BBC’s Mark Lowen reports.
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Reuters
There are no political flags at the rallies, just images of sardines and recitals of the anti-fascist song Bella Ciao.
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AFP
The Sardines have shaken Mr Salvini and surprised Italy by how fast they have grown.
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AFP
They have given momentum to those trying to stop Mr Salvini winning the regional election in the north.
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Reuters
If Mr Salvini were to triumph there, it could spark a national election that polls suggest he would win.
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AFP
Organisers hope Saturday’s event will be the biggest showing of the Sardines yet.
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EPA
Mr Salvini crashed out of the coalition government earlier this year but his party remains one of Italy’s biggest.
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