Key facts
- Italian far-right politician Roberto Vannacci advocated for the EU to cease political integration and prioritize cultural defense.
- Vannacci, a former general, leads the rapidly growing Futuro Nazionale party.
- He called for reduced EU red tape, describing the bloc as a "platform of collaboration, not coercion."
- Former Prime Minister Mario Monti strongly condemned Vannacci's views as "fascist rhetoric."
- Monti expressed deep concern over Vannacci's party potentially stoking societal dissatisfaction.
Roberto Vannacci, a prominent figure in Italy's far-right movement, addressed the annual Ambrosetti business conference, urging the European Union to abandon further political integration and instead concentrate on safeguarding its cultural identity. Vannacci, whose Futuro Nazionale party has rapidly gained popularity, advocated for a less regulated EU, characterizing it as a "platform of collaboration, not coercion."
He suggested that right-wing forces represent the future of Europe, referencing the electoral strength of parties like Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) and France's Rassemblement National (RN). RN leader Jordan Bardella, also speaking at the conference, expressed a desire for change within the EU to foster growth and secure borders.
Vannacci's platform includes proposals such as abolishing same-sex civil unions and expelling immigrants who do not assimilate, moves that could siphon support from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government. He argued that business thrives in a cohesive society driven by sacrifice and belonging.
Former Prime Minister Mario Monti sharply criticized Vannacci's stance, labeling it "fascist rhetoric" and expressing deep concern about the potential for his party to exploit public dissatisfaction, drawing parallels to wartime dictator Benito Mussolini. Monti declared he would dedicate his remaining life to opposing such a political future for Italy.
The audience's reaction was mixed, with Vannacci receiving polite applause while Monti's remarks garnered warmer appreciation. However, some attendees, including construction lobbyist Achille Colombo Clerici, agreed with Vannacci's criticisms of the EU.