ROME — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faces challenges as former army general Roberto Vannacci leads the newly launched National Future party, which is gaining traction and attracting members from the governing coalition. This shift poses difficulties for Meloni as she approaches the general election next year.
Vannacci's rise is impacting Meloni's coalition, particularly affecting the anti-immigration League party led by Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. A recent poll indicated that National Future has reached parity with the League, forcing Meloni to address issues such as migration and national identity, which are central to Vannacci's platform.
In a speech, Vannacci expressed his views on remigration and criticized the European Union, stating, "Italy must be for the Italians, and I am not ashamed to say so." His party has reportedly signed up over 100,000 members within three months of its launch, and polling suggests that it could surpass the League in the near future.
Vannacci's book, "The World Upside Down," has drawn criticism but has also contributed to his popularity. His platform includes proposals for limiting foreign residents in Italy and promoting traditional family values. Defectors from Meloni's coalition cite Vannacci's ideological clarity as a reason for their support.
The political landscape in Italy is shifting, with Meloni needing to navigate the challenges posed by Vannacci's growing influence and the potential need for his support to maintain a parliamentary majority.