Maduro, ‘fascism advances in Europe, has taken power in Italy’

(ANSA) – CARACAS, SEPTEMBER 20 – For Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, “in fact, fascism, neo-fascism and their imitations are conquering Europe”. Speaking live on state television Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), Maduro added that “it is incredible, it is impressive how fascism, neo-fascism and their imitations are advancing in Spain, putting democracy under pressure; in Italy, where they have conquered political power; and in Germany, with Nazi imitations that claim (Adolf) Hitler”. Referring to his recent phone call with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, Maduro said that “there is a debate in the world on this issue (the Venezuelan crisis)” and “I took advantage of the call to explain to him in detail the struggle” that Venezuela “is waging to fight fascism”. “We must call it by its name,” the Venezuelan president said, “fascism is the devil. No one should sugar-coat the expressions of intolerance and persecution typical of fascist projects.” Maduro concluded his heated speech on the sidelines of a Chavista cultural event by emphasizing that “the entire fascist and neo-fascist international has targeted the jewel in the crown of South America, Venezuela.” (ANSA).