Tajani warns of election interference as Salvini rejects anti-Russian anxiety

Antonio Tajani is convinced that attempts may be made to influence elections in countries going to the polls. Matteo Salvini, by contrast, says he is worried about what he calls “anti-Russian anxiety.”

The two Italian deputy prime ministers exposed their different views on hybrid warfare and the risks facing Italy and other European democracies. At an informal meeting of foreign ministers, Tajani said he could not rule out attempts by the Russian Federation to interfere in democratic life and free elections across the European Union. “We must remain vigilant,” he said.

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We must remain vigilant.

Salvini questioned whether Tajani had information that he did not possess. He said he did not want to underestimate Italians’ freedom of choice, arguing that they had never voted, and he believed would not vote, under Russian, Chinese, American, Israeli or Palestinian influence. “I’m not anxious that the Russians will invade Tor Bella Monaca,” he said, referring to the Rome neighborhood.

The dispute surfaced as the Financial Times described Roberto Vannacci as Moscow’s “Trojan horse” testing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The newspaper highlighted Vannacci’s appeal among pacifists and voters expressing discontent. Vannacci rejected the label of a “Manchurian candidate” and responded sarcastically, “I expected more from you,” while thanking the newspaper for what he called free publicity.

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I’m not anxious that the Russians will invade Tor Bella Monaca.

Italian intelligence and security agencies have long dealt with hacking and disinformation spread through pro-Russian social-media channels, particularly Telegram. Informed sources said there had been no recent surge comparable to the increase recorded between 2024 and 2025, when pro-Russian groups often claimed responsibility for DDoS attacks on institutional websites, including hospital and medicine-distribution portals.

With elections approaching, the issue could return to political debate. The government had also begun discussions with Carlo Calenda over Azione’s proposed democratic shield against foreign interference. Vannacci’s Futuro Nazionale calls for renewed channels with Russia, partly to reduce Italian energy costs, and says Rome should reconsider its international treaty commitments, including the possibility of leaving NATO. Vannacci mocked the Financial Times in an AI-generated image showing him toasting “Financial Lies” with vodka.

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I expected more from you.