General, apologist of fascism, who challenges Giorgio Meloni

A prominent Italian general with far-right views has emerged as a potential challenge to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose government is nearing the longest continuous term in Italy's history. The political landscape is shifting as Roberto Vannacci, a former military officer and founder of the newly established party Futuro Nazionale (National Future), gains traction among voters disillusioned with the current administration. Vannacci’s rhetoric, which openly echoes themes from Italy’s fascist era, has drawn sharp criticism and raised concerns over his influence within the right-wing coalition. Vannacci, who launched Futuro Nazionale less than six months ago, has already amassed 130,000 members, positioning his group just below Matteo Salvini’s Lega and close to Giuseppe Conte’s Italexit. His platform includes reactionary, racist, and xenophobic policies, making him significantly more radical than Meloni. His speeches explicitly reference the rhetoric of the fascist Ventennio period (1922–1943), drawing comparisons to historical figures such as Benito Mussolini. This alignment with past authoritarianism has alarmed many observers, including some within Meloni’s own coalition. Meloni, who has led the government since October 2022, faces growing internal challenges. Her coalition, once solid, has begun to fracture under pressure from both external and internal forces. Last month, her proposed electoral law reforms were rejected by Parliament, despite assurances from coalition partners that they would support the changes. This rejection is widely interpreted as a sign of resistance from the right wing of the government. Earlier this year, Meloni suffered another setback when voters rejected her judicial reform proposal in a referendum. These consecutive defeats have eroded public confidence in her leadership, prompting critics to question her ability to maintain control over her coalition. The emergence of Vannacci’s party has further complicated matters. Seven members of Meloni’s coalition have recently joined Futuro Nazionale, signaling a shift in voter sentiment toward more extreme positions. This trend suggests that Vannacci could become a gathering point for disaffected right-wing voters, potentially undermining Meloni’s dominance. Analysts suggest that without Vannacci, the right-wing majority might be weaker, possibly giving the center-left bloc an advantage in future elections. Vannacci’s rise has also strained relations between the Italian government and U.S. President Donald Trump, although the extent of these tensions remains unclear. Meanwhile, the recent surge in migration flows into Spain’s enclave of Ceuta has reignited debates over immigration policy. Vannacci has seized upon these issues, using television appearances to accuse the government of betrayal, repeatedly shouting “Traitor! Traitor! Traitor!” during live broadcasts. His inflammatory rhetoric has sparked controversy, particularly given the government’s decision to temporarily suspend the Schengen agreement with Spain. Historians and analysts have noted the symbolic significance of Vannacci’s references to the Decima Mas, a notorious unit of the Italian Social Republic responsible for brutal reprisals during World War II. Antonio Scurati, a writer known for his extensive works on Mussolini, argues that while efforts are made to distinguish the new right from historical fascism, the origins of Futuro Nazionale clearly trace back to the fascist era. He points to the use of symbols and terminology associated with the Decima Mas as evidence of this connection. As Meloni grapples with internal dissent and rising opposition, the political dynamics in Italy continue to evolve. With Vannacci’s party gaining momentum, the stability of the current government remains uncertain. The coming months will likely see increased scrutiny of Meloni’s leadership and the potential impact of Vannacci’s movement on the broader political landscape.