Italian general establishes a far-right party, posing a challenge to Meloni’s electoral prospects
General Roberto Vannacci introduced his new far-right party on Sunday, presenting a direct challenge to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s hold on power as he aims to steer Italy towards a more hardline, nationalist stance in anticipation of next year’s elections.
Introduced by a party official as a modern-day Julius Caesar, the 57-year-old former paratrooper was met with chants of “Generale, Generale, Generale” as he stepped onto the stage of Futuro Nazionale’s inaugural congress. “We represent the rejects and the dregs and are proud of it,” stated Vannacci, who aims to outmaneuver Meloni’s conservative coalition on the right, just four months after leaving Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini’s League party.
Vannacci’s populist movement is currently polling near 5%, approaching the League and possibly complicating Meloni’s aspirations of reclaiming power in the upcoming national vote, unless she establishes an electoral alliance with him.
However, such a partnership would entail significant risks for Meloni and could potentially alienate moderate supporters who are put off by Vannacci’s anti-EU, pro-Russia stance and his connections to far-right European parties like Germany’s AfD.
Positioning himself as the most assertive advocate on immigration in Italy, Vannacci stated on Sunday that he would reduce the number of foreigners residing in Italy to approximately 4% of the total population, down from an estimated 12% at present.
We don’t have a program for immigration; we have a program for re-migration,” he declared to enthusiastic applause.
Economic strategies derived from traditional frameworks.
At the weekend, Futuro Nazionale revealed its program, incorporating numerous policies that Meloni had advocated during her time in opposition, prior to assuming control of Italy’s significant debt in 2022 and needing to instill confidence in investors.
Vannacci expressed his desire to engage in a discussion regarding Italy’s membership in the euro single currency. He also suggested discarding the EU’s Green Deal, which is focused on significantly reducing carbon emissions, and lifting Italy’s prohibition on nuclear power.
The program also supported incentives for families, including a reduction in taxes for those with children.
Despite Italy’s position as one of the countries with the lowest rates of murder and violent crime globally, Vannacci stated that his top priority would be security and defense, pledging zero tolerance for criminals and committing to the construction of additional prisons.
Vannacci has charged Meloni with failing to uphold numerous campaign promises, yet he conceded that his own agenda is not immutable. “No plan survives the first shot in battle … it must be adjusted to fit reality,” he remarked.
