IS ROME'S NEW MAYOR A SIGN THAT EUROPE IS READY TO CONFRONT ISLAM?

Is Rome's recent election of a anti-immigration hard line mayor a sign that Europe, or at least the Italians, are fed up with Muslim immigration?

Italy's new parliament met for the first time today with applause for Rome's mayor-elect, Gianni Alemanno, a day after followers celebrated his triumph with straight-arm salutes and fascist-era chants.

Alemanno, a former neo-fascist youth leader, took 54% of the vote in a run-off on Sunday and Monday, crushing his rival, Francesco Rutelli, a deputy prime minister in the last, centre-left government.

On Monday night, the area around Rome's city hall rang to chants of "Duce! Duce!", the term adopted by Italy's dictator, Benito Mussolini, equivalent to the German "Führer". Supporters of the new mayor gave the fascist Roman straight-arm salutes.

Gianni Alemanno, the new right-wing mayor of Rome, has pledged to reinforce law and order and crack down on immigrants. And he says he wants to be mayor for all citizens in Rome.

During his campaign, Alemanno promised to consider tearing down the illegal gypsy and immigrant camps set up on the outskirts of the city.

Meanwhile, a study released on Tuesday indicated that most Italians have negative views about immigrants from Muslim countries.

Alemanno's victory marks yet another political victory in Italy for an anti-immigrant candidate. Silvio Berlusconi,who just won his third term as Italy's Prime Minister has been stocking his cabinet with anti-immigrations sympathizers.