GETTY Italian politician Matteo Salvini claims Islam has waged war on Europe

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The Lega Nord party leader hailed the New Year Cologne sex attacks of 2015 as a “warning” that was not heeded and he claims the incident was directly responsible for the Berlin Christmas market massacre. Mr Salvini is adamant the main problem facing Europe is Islam, which he believes is incompatible with European societies.

He fears Europe is “losing its values” and has shown itself to be “lacking in security” given the increase in violent terror attacks in recent years. He said: “We are under attack and must decisively kick out those people who do not have a legal claim to residence here. “If you want to live in peace, you have to prepare for war.”

GETTY Matteo Salvini says the EU is heading towards a clash of civilizations

The right wing politician, 43, from Milan, also wants to see Europe strike a deal with African nations to stem the flow of economic migrants. He said the EU was “throwing money out of the window” by housing immigrants from Mali, Nigeria, Gambia and Senegal in Italy.

In pictures: Crises that have crippled Italy Thu, November 2, 2017 The European Union has warned that Italy's economy is not improving Play slideshow EPA 1 of 9 November 2016: Florence erupts in violence as anti-Renzi protesters clash with riot cops. Hooded youths attacked lines of cops protecting embattled prime minister Matteo Renzi, who was in the city for crunch political talks.