Opposition leaders, including anti-immigrant League party chief Matteo Salvini, marched with hundreds of protesters on Italy's national day Tuesday to demand the government resign.

League party chief Matteo Salvini, centre, along with opposition leaders Giorgia Meloni and Antonio Tajani march in protest against the government
League party chief Matteo Salvini, centre, along with opposition leaders Giorgia Meloni and Antonio Tajani march in protest against the government AFP / Alberto PIZZOLI

Banned from holding large rallies due to the coronavirus, the demonstration was announced as a silent sit-in respecting physical distancing rules.

It soon turned into a procession, however, led by Salvini and two other party leaders: Giorgia Meloni of the far-right Brothers of Italy, and Antonio Tajani, co-founder of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia.

The event was Matteo Salvini's first appearance at a rally since the coronavirus outbreak hit the peninsula in mid-February
The event was Matteo Salvini's first appearance at a rally since the coronavirus outbreak hit the peninsula in mid-February AFP / Alberto PIZZOLI

Activists unrolled a giant Italian flag along the Via del Corso, Rome's central artery.

Supporters of far-right politician Matteo Salvini gather in Rome ahead of a rally
Supporters of far-right politician Matteo Salvini gather in Rome ahead of a rally AFPTV / Giovanni GREZZI

The march was "a symbolic gesture to make heard the voices of the citizens who do not give up", Salvini wrote on Facebook.

It was his first appearance at a rally since the pandemic hit the peninsula in mid-February.

Protesters unfold a giant Italian flag at the start of the demonstration
Protesters unfold a giant Italian flag at the start of the demonstration AFP / Alberto PIZZOLI

According to a poll published by local news agency AGI, the three parties have would win 47 percent of votes in an election, compared with 36 percent for the government majority formed by the Democratic Party (20 percent) and anti-establishment Five Star Movement (16 percent).

As Italy faces the worst recession since the war, the crisis could further bolster the far-right with the country scrambling to support businesses.

"There is an immediate need for money for the Italians, yet we are promised the recovery fund in 2021," Salvini told reporters, referring to the 750-billion-euro European recovery plan.

"There can be no forgotten Italian workers," he added.

He also expressed opposition to the government's decision to temporarily allow illegal migrants to work on the land or as domestic helpers.

Last week, a special committee voted against Salvini standing trial for allegedly illegally detaining migrants at sea, though the final decision rests with the Senate.

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