Italy’s political landscape shifted further to the right on Sunday after former army general Roberto Vannacci officially launched his new far-right party, Futuro Nazionale, positioning himself as a direct challenger to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni ahead of next year’s general election.
The 57-year-old former paratrooper was welcomed by enthusiastic supporters during the party’s inaugural congress, where he was introduced as a modern-day Julius Caesar before taking the stage to chants of “Generale, Generale, Generale.” Vannacci said his movement would represent Italians who feel ignored by the country’s political establishment.
“We represent the rejects and the dregs, and are proud of it,” Vannacci declared.
The launch comes just four months after Vannacci left Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini’s League party, signaling his ambition to build an independent nationalist movement capable of competing with Italy’s established right-wing parties.
Recent opinion polls suggest Futuro Nazionale is approaching 5% support, narrowing the gap with Salvini’s League and potentially complicating Meloni’s efforts to retain power in next year’s national election. Political analysts believe the emergence of another right-wing force could split conservative voters unless Meloni eventually agrees to an electoral alliance with Vannacci.
Such cooperation, however, could prove politically risky. Vannacci has embraced a more uncompromising platform than Meloni, advocating positions that critics describe as strongly anti-European Union and sympathetic toward Russia. He also maintains close relationships with several far-right political movements across Europe, including Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Immigration dominated Vannacci’s speech as he outlined what he described as the party’s top priority. Rather than proposing stricter border controls alone, he argued Italy should actively reduce its foreign-born population.
“We don’t have a programme for immigration, we have a programme for re-migration,” Vannacci told supporters, drawing loud applause.
He said his goal would be to reduce the proportion of foreigners living in Italy to around 4% of the population from an estimated 12% today, although he did not immediately explain how such a policy would be implemented.
Beyond immigration, Futuro Nazionale unveiled a broader political platform centered on national sovereignty, economic reforms and public security. Several proposals echoed positions Meloni championed before becoming prime minister in 2022, when governing responsibilities forced her administration to adopt a more moderate approach to reassure investors and European partners.
Among the party’s proposals are reopening debate over Italy’s membership in the euro currency, abandoning the European Union’s Green Deal climate strategy and ending Italy’s long-standing ban on nuclear power.
The platform also includes tax incentives for families with children, reflecting concerns over Italy’s declining birth rate and aging population.
Security featured prominently throughout Vannacci’s address despite Italy maintaining one of the lowest murder and violent crime rates globally. He promised a zero-tolerance approach toward criminal activity and pledged to expand the country’s prison system.
“My first priority will be security and defence,” Vannacci said, promising tougher law enforcement measures if his party gains influence.
Although Vannacci accused Meloni’s government of abandoning many campaign promises after taking office, he acknowledged that political realities often require flexibility.
“No plan survives the first shot in battle … it has to be adapted to reality,” he said.
The emergence of Futuro Nazionale adds another variable to Italy’s increasingly fragmented conservative movement as parties begin positioning themselves for next year’s election. Whether Vannacci ultimately competes against Meloni or joins forces with her coalition could become one of the defining questions of Italy’s political landscape in the months ahead.
