Vannacci to the Chamber: "If the centre-right is after us, then we are working.

Roberto Vannacci, leader of the Future National party, addressed lawmakers in Rome today during a press conference at the Chamber of Deputies, delivering a lengthy speech on immigration policies and the controversial SAFÉ loans program aimed at military modernization. Speaking uninterrupted for over fifty minutes, Vannacci left little room for questions, forcing the session to continue in another room at Montecitorio due to time constraints. His remarks focused primarily on measures to restrict migrant entry into Italy and criticized the government’s performance in repatriating individuals under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's leadership. Vannacci stated that the number of deportations carried out by the current administration was insufficient, asserting that Italy has performed worse than Spain and even some leftist governments in terms of repatriation efforts. He described the situation as objective and pointed out that the data clearly shows a lack of progress. The politician emphasized that the numbers speak for themselves, suggesting that the government has failed to meet its commitments in managing migration flows effectively. In addition to addressing immigration, Vannacci took issue with the proposed SAFÉ funding program, which aims to bolster national defense through European Union financial support. He argued that military modernization is not a priority for Italy at this moment, citing public concerns over energy costs and economic hardship rather than fears of invasion. According to Vannacci, the funds represent a debt that will burden future generations, making the initiative both unnecessary and imprudent. He called the idea of arming the country under these conditions “useless and foolish.” The discussion also touched on political rivalries, particularly regarding Beppe Grillo, founder of the Five Star Movement. Vannacci was asked about potential similarities between his party and Grillo’s movement, especially after a think tank associated with Future National suggested shared policy positions. Vannacci responded by acknowledging that while Grillo is known for his comedic career, he had limited direct interaction with the former comedian-turned-politician. He challenged Grillo to engage directly with the party if he had anything meaningful to contribute, stating, “If Grillo has something to say, let him come and tell us.” Throughout the session, Vannacci maintained a firm stance against what he perceives as misguided policies, emphasizing the need for pragmatic solutions grounded in public sentiment. His comments reflect broader tensions within Italian politics, where debates over immigration control and defense spending remain contentious issues. As the debate continues, observers will likely monitor how these discussions influence legislative action and public discourse in the coming weeks.