Italians in Chicago and across Italy will head to the polls on Sunday to elect a new government. In the country known for Renaissance art and the “dolce vita,” this political campaign has seen violent street protests against fascism. Some populist candidates promise to put “Italians first” by expelling half-a-million immigrants. Candidates have also vowed to eliminate mandatory vaccinations, making them optional.

WBEZ’s Alexandra Salomon worked as a journalist in Europe for nearly a decade. She covered Italian politics, extensively. Salomon joins us to talk about the big issues and political divisions that surround this weekend’s vote in Italy.