Holocaust survivor opens Italian parliament after poll win for far-right party

Holocaust survivor and senator Liliana Segre chairs the opening session of the Italian Senate (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

Italy’s fascist past and its future governed by a party with neo-fascist roots came to an emotional head when a Holocaust survivor presided over the first sitting of parliament since general elections last month.

Liliana Segre, a 92-year-old senator-for-life, opened the session in the upper chamber, sitting in for a more senior life senator who could not attend.