CERNOBBIO, Italy — Italy's far-right politician Roberto Vannacci addressed a high-profile business forum Saturday, asserting that the European Union must halt political integration and prioritize defending its cultural identity. Vannacci, a former general, leads Futuro Nazionale, which has become Italy's fourth-most-popular party seven months after its launch.
Speaking at the annual TEHA Ambrosetti conference on Lake Como's shores, Vannacci debated EU integration with former Prime Minister Mario Monti. Monti, 83, a former two-time EU Commissioner who led Italy through a severe debt crisis in 2011-12, warned against Vannacci's rhetoric.
Vannacci called for the 27-nation bloc to reduce bureaucracy, stating the EU should function as a platform for collaboration rather than coercion. He declared that right-wing movements, including his own, represented Europe's future.
He cited the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which was aiming for its first electoral victory in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday, and the strength of Rassemblement National (RN) in France.
Jordan Bardella, leader of France's Rassemblement National, also spoke at the conference. Bardella expressed support for comprehensive changes within the EU without undermining its foundational structures, advocating for a Europe focused on economic growth and secure borders.
Domestically, Vannacci's proposals include abolishing Italy's same-sex civil unions and expelling immigrants who, in his view, fail to integrate into Italian cultural values. His party is drawing support from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's coalition as Meloni prepares for elections expected next year.
Vannacci emphasized that Europe should stop creating regulations that hinder economic initiative and should instead concentrate on safeguarding its culture and civilization.
Monti voiced concern about Vannacci's potential influence. He said he was "terrified" by the possibility of Vannacci's party inciting dissatisfaction and resentment among Italians, drawing a parallel to wartime dictator Benito Mussolini.
Monti concluded by stating, "Old as I am, if this were to pass I'd devote what's left of my life to stopping it." His comments received stronger applause from the audience than Vannacci's speech.
Among attendees, speed-skater Arianna Fontana, Italy's most decorated Olympian, told Reuters she was "almost moved to tears" by the end of Monti's address. Construction lobbyist Achille Colombo Clerici backed Vannacci's criticism of the EU, stating, "Many of the things the General said are true."
