Giorgia Meloni's future threatened by new extremist party founded by former general married to a Romanian

A new nationalist, anti-European Union, and pro-Russia party founded by former Italian General Roberto Vannacci is posing a significant political threat to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as elections approach. The formation, named "Futuro Nazionale," has attracted approximately 100,000 members in just a few months and is projected to secure over 4% of the vote in polls, a figure that could prove decisive in a close electoral race.

Vannacci presents himself as the representative of an uncompromising, radical right, accusing the current government of losing its firm stance. "We represent the right that has not faded, does not hesitate, and does not fear," the former general stated, while also criticizing a "fearful right" in recent years of governance. He contends that Meloni's executive has been too accommodating towards Brussels and has failed to effectively combat crime and illegal migration.

A paratrooper and former Italian military attaché to Russia, Vannacci gained notoriety after publishing a controversial book promoting traditionalist values and attacking minority groups, which drew sharp criticism even within the military. After a period with Matteo Salvini's League, where he was promoted for European elections, Vannacci opted to launch his own movement, aiming to surpass both the League and Meloni's party on the radical right.

The rise of "Futuro Nazionale" risks pushing the entire governing coalition toward more extreme positions to retain conservative voters. Political scientist Sofia Ventura warned that "Salvini will now have to adopt more radical positions," suggesting the phenomenon could also affect Meloni's strategy. The situation is further complicated by "Futuro Nazionale" attracting parliament members from the current coalition, indicating Vannacci's influence is more than symbolic. Despite aligning with the right, Vannacci's party leader rules out unconditional alliances and insists on maintaining a hard ideological line, refusing to compromise the movement's "purity."