Speaking at the national gathering in the northern city, Meloni said the rally, which last year was plagued by charges of members molesting female assistants and hospitality staff, is “one of the most extraordinary representations that take place during the year, of what love of country is”.
Describing the Alpini as a great family of Italy, she said “I believe that the theme of the commitment of our national community and the bond of belonging that binds us is one of the most important things on which we must leverage to lift this nation.
“Today is Mother’s Day,” she added, “but we always have another mother who is the Motherland, without this bond there is nothing we can do.”
Asked whether she was in favour of reinstating conscription for mandatory military service, she replied: ‘“It is certainly an issue that can be addressed as a voluntary option, as an alternative to (non military) civilian national service.
“That in my opinion is the right approach”.
With Meloni were Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Minister for Relations with Parliament Luca Ciriani and Friuli Governor Massimiliano Fedriga.
ANSA
