An Italian right-wing minister proposed yesterday adding the crucifix to Italy's national flag, claiming the Christian symbol was part of Europe's true identity.

"I believe that Europe has the right to recognise its true identity that we are starting to lose completely," said Roberto Castelli, deputy minister for infrastructure and transportation.

Mr Castelli is a member of the Northern League, a populist anti-immigrant party that is part of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's coalition.

Mr Castelli also commented on Sunday's vote in Switzerland to ban the construction of minarets on mosques, saying that "unfortunately, we are facing a strong attack on our identity by an intolerant religion like Islam."

His proposal to add a crucifix to the Italian flag comes after the European Court for Human Rights ruled earlier this month that crucifixes in Italian schools violated the rights of parents to educate their children according to their convictions and the right of children to freedom of religion.

However, an opinion poll showed that 84 per cent of Italians are in favour of displaying crucifixes in schools.

And a crucifix on a flag is not uncommon in Europe, noted Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini.

"Nine European countries already have the crucifix on their flag, it is an extremely common proposition," said Mr Frattini.

However, Parliament speaker Gianfranco Fini, from the moderate wing of Mr Berlusconi's PDL party, called the proposal "disturbing and demagogic."