FAR-RIGHT leaders have kicked off their European Union election campaigns at a rally in Spain, declaring support for Israel and against immigration.

French National Rally party leader Marine Le Pen and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were among those trying to win voters at an event organised by Spain’s Vox party in Madrid on Sunday.

The EU’s parliamentary elections will take place between June 6 and 9, with analysts warning that the vote across the bloc’s 27 nations could see a strong rise of the far right.

Ms Meloni, whose Brothers of Italy party has foundations in Benito Mussolini’s fascism, said they aimed to make June 9 a “day of liberation and hope” and called for young people to vote.

Portugal’s Chega party leader Andre Ventura lobbied against migration, saying: “We are not against human rights, but we want strong borders in Europe … because it is ours.

“We cannot continue to have this massive influx of Islamic and Muslim immigrants into Europe.”

Ms Le Pen advocated for reform of the Schengen area, which allows free movement of people within the bloc’s borders, so that “Europe allows each country to choose who enters and who leaves its territory.”

Vox president Santiago Abascal called for unity of the far-right saying: “In the face of globalism we must respond with a global alliance of patriots in defence of common sense, economic prosperity, security and freedom.”

Hundreds of left-wing activists protested against fascism in Madrid’s city centre during the event.

Polish activist Frank Erbroder said: “I am here because in Vistalegre we have a summit of hate and we must fight against fascists.

“I am worried because Hitler won because of democracy, and I think that maybe we’ll have the same situation.”