Monti and Vannacci clash: ‘I will fight fascist rhetoric’

A debate that was supposed to focus on Europe turned into an unexpectedly bitter confrontation over fascism and the Constitution. Roberto Vannacci, leader of Futuro Nazionale, and life senator Mario Monti faced each other at the Sala Impero of the Villa d’Este hotel in Cernobbio.

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Unanimity in the European Union is not a pathology but a guarantee.

Before taking the stage, Vannacci said he was “proud and honored” to be there, while adding that, physically, “jumping from an airplane was more exciting.” During the debate, he attacked majority voting in the European Union. “Unanimity in the European Union is not a pathology but a guarantee,” he said, arguing that it prevents “26 states from ruling over the 27th.”

Vannacci also criticized the Maastricht Treaty and pointed to countries outside the EU. Britain had left, he said, while Iceland had recently said no. Norway had never seriously considered joining, or had considered it and rejected the idea, while Switzerland remained outside and Turkey had moved in another direction. “Not everyone is eager to integrate into the European Union, and there will be a reason,” he said.

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I am old now, but I will fight with every last bit of my energy against your attempt to rebuild the rhetoric of fascism.

Monti began by correcting Vannacci’s account of the EU’s origins, saying it “was not born in 1992 at Maastricht.” His tone changed sharply near the end. “I am old now,” Monti said, “but I will fight with every last bit of my energy against your attempt to rebuild the rhetoric of fascism.” He said he did not see Vannacci rebuilding the Fascist Party itself, but believed “the most insidious aspect of fascism” was already present in his reconstruction of its narrative and rhetoric.

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I do not see in you the reconstitution of the Fascist Party, but the most insidious aspect of fascism is already at work.

Monti also accused Vannacci of suffering from a “Calimero complex” and said he feared the psychological reconstruction of a diminished Italy. He cited a statement by Futuro Nazionale ideologue Lorenzo Gasperini during the Covid period calling for vaccinated people to be excluded from sexual life, and asked whether the proposed punishment meant immediate castration or an electronic bracelet applied elsewhere on the body. Monti further warned that if Vannacci became a minister or head of government, he would openly violate the Constitution through parts of his program, as well as the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Even an initial implementation, Monti said, would immediately put Italy outside the EU and the euro. Outside the venue, Vannacci called a military union’s complaint to prosecutors alleging reconstitution of the Fascist Party “ridiculous.”

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Ridiculous.