Roberto Vannacci Launches 'National Future' Party, Challenges Italy's Premier Meloni
Former Italian army general Roberto Vannacci has launched his new political party, "National Future," in Rome. The party, which claims over 100,000 members, positions itself as the "real right" and aims to challenge Premier Giorgia Meloni's conservative coalition ahead of the 2027 general election. Vannacci's rise introduces uncertainty into Italian politics, particularly for Meloni, who is on track to become Italy's longest-serving head of government.
Roberto Vannacci, a former Italian army general known as “Il Generale” to his supporters, launched his new political party, "National Future," on Sunday in Rome. Vannacci presented his movement as an outsider force aiming to reshape Italy's right-wing political landscape and challenge Premier Giorgia Meloni.
His party claims to have surpassed 100,000 members and currently includes eight deputies who have defected from parties such as the League and Forza Italia. Vannacci previously gained public attention for his 2023 self-published book, "Il mondo al contrario" (The World Upside Down), which generated controversy for its strong criticisms of LGBTQ+ individuals, migrants, and minorities.
Before founding "National Future," Vannacci entered politics with Matteo Salvini’s anti-migration League, securing over 530,000 preferences in European Parliament elections. He departed from the League in February, a move Salvini described as a "betrayal."
Vannacci's platform emphasizes hard-line stances on security and migration, advocating for the "remigration" of foreigners deemed not integrated. He also expresses opposition to EU policies like the Green Deal and criticizes Western sanctions imposed on Russia. Vannacci rejects the "far-right" label, preferring to call his movement the "real right," and has accused Premier Meloni of not translating shared priorities into effective policies. He has indicated that an alliance is not currently being considered.
Premier Meloni, whose party has historical roots in fascism, initially campaigned with an EU-skeptic stance. However, she has since adopted a more pragmatic and pro-European approach, which has contributed to a period of political stability in Italy. If she remains in office into early September, Meloni is projected to become the longest-serving head of government in the 80-year history of the Italian Republic, surpassing Silvio Berlusconi.
Analysts suggest Vannacci's emergence from Meloni’s right flank could test her ability to maintain her current political direction. Polls indicate single-digit support for Vannacci's party, a share that could prove significant in future coalition formations. According to Fortune, Vannacci stated at his party's founding assembly, "With us, Italy will once again be the home of Italians. Everyone must feel safe in their own home."
