Italian lawmaker defends sexist remark, calls PM Meloni's criticizer 'man of the world'

Italian lawmaker Roberto Vannacci has once again courted controversy with a series of provocative statements, this time defending a sexist remark made by a fellow politician. Francesco Silvestri of the Five Star Movement (M5S) recently told Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni that she had "simply put on knee pads to be more comfortable" in her dealings with Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu.

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I can't see this sexist tone, I went to see the definition of sexism. Explain to me what's sexist about it?

Vannacci, a general, publicly questioned the sexist nature of Silvestri's comment. "I can't see this sexist tone. I looked up the definition of sexism. Explain to me what's sexist about it?" he stated. He drew parallels to his own experiences, saying, "I lived in barracks: I frequented combat zones across half the planet." Vannacci argued that wearing knee pads is not inherently demeaning, noting that "tile layers, players, and volleyball players wear knee pads."

He further suggested that if the comment had been directed at him, he would not have perceived it as sexist, nor would he have taken offense at the term "courtesan." Vannacci concluded by stating, "I am not a woman, I do not have that sensitivity, so I cannot answer." However, the article notes that no one had asked for his opinion on the matter, implying his intervention was self-serving.

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I lived in barracks: I frequented combat zones across half the planet. Wearing knee pads doesn't mean belittling a woman: tile layers, players, and volleyball players wear knee pads.

The lawmaker also took aim at European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling her "shriveled." When questioned about neo-fascists participating in a nearby rally, Vannacci dismissed the categorization, stating, "I don't care who brings pasta to the table." His party, Futuro Nazionale, he explained, "shuns this cranial categorization of politics and is proud of it."

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I am not a woman, I do not have that sensitivity, so I cannot answer.

Despite the inflammatory nature of his remarks, Vannacci's comments have not generated widespread outrage. Elena Bonetti, president of the Azione party, expressed her indignation, writing on X that Vannacci managed "to do worse than the 5 Stars." She added, "We all perceive your words as revolting." The article suggests that Vannacci's strategy of consistently pushing the boundaries of insult and impropriety is a deliberate attempt to position himself as an enemy of political correctness.

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Riuscendo nella difficile impresa di fare peggio dei 5 Stelle, Vannacci dice che non “percepisce” le parole ginocchiere e cortigiana come sessiste. A “percepire” rivoltanti le sue parole, in Azione, siamo tutte e tutti. Solidarietà a Giorgia Meloni.