Roberto Vannacci is no longer a member of the League. The controversial retired Italian general recently slammed the door on this far-right party. He will continue his political career with Futuro Nazionale, a political party he recently founded that emphasizes Italian identity.

"Italy comes first, then the State and the institutions that must serve it."

“Italy is our homeland: clearly defined by borders that must be protected and defended, inhabited by a people who share the same ideals and values, governed by a political class elected to serve the interests of the Italian people. Italy comes first, then the State and the institutions that must serve it, and finally, provided that the interests of both are preserved, the Law,” declared Mr. Vannacci in the message announcing the creation of Futuro Nazionale. The break with Matteo Salvini’s party thus appears complete.

The League is on edge

It's hard to say who will suffer the most from this split. Perhaps the League, because there, the pill is hard to swallow. The political party accuses its former Deputy Secretary of betrayal, especially since he left with two of his colleagues, namely Edoardo Ziello and Rossano Sasso.

Clearly deeply affected by this "betrayal," Matteo Salvini's supporters announced they would initiate a constitutional reform to prevent sitting members of parliament from changing parties. Any elected official who does so will automatically lose their seat.

In any case, for the moment, no law prevents a member of parliament from leaving their party. Vannacci, for his part, will continue his political career at Futuro Nazionale.

A scandalous character!

It's worth remembering that this former military man is a controversial figure in Italy because of his strong opinions on immigration, homosexuality, and multiculturalism. He has repeatedly denied the Italian identity of the famous Italian volleyball player Paola Egonu.

"When I see a dark-skinned person, I don't immediately identify them as belonging to the Italian ethnic group, not because of racism, but because for 8,000 years the stereotypical Italian has been white," the retired general said during a public address.