General Roberto Vannacci, one of Italy’s most experienced army generals, has been embroiled in controversy recently for his inflammatory comments and actions. He was fired by the defense minister for writing a book that was deemed offensive to women, gays, and Blacks. Additionally, he is under investigation by Rome prosecutors for allegedly inciting racial hatred. Despite these circumstances, Vannacci recently joined Italy’s deputy premier and leader of the right-wing League party, Matteo Salvini, as the League’s headline candidate for the upcoming European Parliament elections. Salvini’s decision to put Vannacci at the forefront is seen as an attempt to revive the struggling popularity of the League, which has faced a decline in support in recent years.
With the League polling at only 8% compared to the 34% they received in the 2019 European Parliament elections, Salvini is taking a calculated risk by utilizing Vannacci’s controversial image to potentially attract more votes. The move has stirred political discourse in Italy and garnered significant media attention, with Vannacci’s candidacy dominating headlines and newscasts. Despite the controversy surrounding him, Salvini presented his new memoir-manifesto, “Against the Wind: The Italy that Doesn’t Surrender,” alongside Vannacci at a campaign event in Rome. Vannacci used the platform to outline his views on migration, Europe’s Christian roots, and the defense of Europe’s borders, echoing Salvini’s hard-right stance on these issues.
Vannacci’s past experiences leading Italian troops in various conflict zones, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, have garnered both accolades and criticism. His dismissal by the defense minister and subsequent disciplinary action over his self-published manifesto, “The World In Reverse,” have further fueled the controversy surrounding him. Despite facing backlash from both sides of the political spectrum for his views on LGBTQ+ people, the environmental lobby, multiculturalism, and migration, Vannacci remains defiant in expressing his opinions. His recent comments suggesting that disabled children should be taught separately at school have led to further condemnation and outrage.
Salvini has defended Vannacci’s right to express his opinions, accusing the media of misrepresenting his comments about disability. While Salvini acknowledges that he doesn’t agree with all of Vannacci’s ideas, he sees value in their partnership. Vannacci, on the other hand, views his controversial statements as a necessary risk in order to fight for a better future and Europe, particularly for his children. However, Salvini’s decision to align with Vannacci has caused division within the League, with some members of the party’s more center-right base opposing the hard-right stance that Vannacci represents. This internal dissent underscores the challenges that Salvini and the League face, with concerns that Salvini himself may be replaced if the gamble does not pay off. Despite the potential benefits of utilizing Vannacci’s controversial image to attract votes, there are also risks involved in aligning with such a polarizing figure.
