Roberto Vannacci took his challenge to the European Union to one of Italy’s most prominent business gatherings on Saturday, calling for an end to deeper political integration and urging the bloc to defend Europe’s cultural identity. Former Prime Minister Mario Monti responded with a warning about the “fascist rhetoric” he sees in the rise of Vannacci’s political movement.
The exchange took place at the annual TEHA Ambrosetti conference on the shores of Lake Como, where the former Italian general debated Monti on the future of European integration.
Vannacci leads Futuro Nazionale, a party launched just seven months ago that has already become Italy’s fourth-most-popular political force in polling. His growing support is adding pressure to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s coalition ahead of an election expected in 2027.
Vannacci calls for a less integrated EU
Vannacci argued that the European Union should reduce political integration and cut regulations that he says restrict economic activity.
The 27-member bloc, he said, should become “a platform of collaboration, not coercion.”
He also called for Europe to protect its culture and civilisation rather than continue producing rules that, in his view, hinder economic initiative.
Business, Vannacci said, can flourish only in a cohesive society where a sense of belonging and a willingness to make sacrifices encourage people to work harder and take risks.
His appearance gave the former general a prominent platform in front of managers, entrepreneurs and other business figures gathered for the Lake Como conference.
Vannacci backs Europe’s right
Vannacci said right-wing political forces such as his own represented the future of Europe.
He pointed to France’s Rassemblement National and the Alternative for Germany as examples of the strength of nationalist and right-wing movements across the continent.
Germany’s AfD was preparing for a state election on Sunday in Saxony-Anhalt, where it was seeking to take power for the first time.
Jordan Bardella, the leader of France’s Rassemblement National, also addressed the conference. He called for major changes to the EU while keeping the bloc intact, describing his vision as “a Europe of growth and a Europe of borders.”
Monti warns of fascist rhetoric
Monti, 83, strongly challenged Vannacci’s political message during the debate.
The former prime minister and two-time European commissioner said he was “terrified” by the prospect of Vannacci eventually entering government and encouraging Italians’ feelings of dissatisfaction and resentment.
Monti compared that possibility with the way Benito Mussolini exploited such sentiments during Italy’s fascist era.
“Old as I am, if this were to pass I’d devote what’s left of my life to stopping it,” Monti said.
The audience gave Vannacci polite applause, but Monti’s remarks received a warmer reaction.
Vannacci’s policies put pressure on Meloni
Futuro Nazionale occupies a position further to the right than Meloni’s governing coalition, giving voters on the right another political choice.
Vannacci has proposed abolishing Italy’s same-sex civil unions and expelling immigrants who fail to assimilate to what he describes as “the values of our civilisation.”
The party’s rapid rise is becoming an additional political consideration for Meloni as she seeks another mandate.
Meloni already leads a right-wing government, but Vannacci’s support creates competition for voters who favour a harder nationalist position.
Business leaders give mixed reactions
The response to the debate was not uniform.
Arianna Fontana, the speed-skater who this year became Italy’s most decorated Olympian, told Reuters she was “almost moved to tears” by the conclusion of Monti’s speech.
Other attendees backed Vannacci’s criticism of the European Union.
Construction lobbyist Achille Colombo Clerici said many of the former general’s arguments were true.
The exchange reflected the sharply different views Vannacci’s political message continues to generate, even among the business and political establishment represented at the conference.
Who is Roberto Vannacci?
Vannacci is a former Italian general who entered politics after becoming a prominent figure on Italy’s nationalist right.
His Futuro Nazionale party was launched in 2026 and has moved quickly up Italian polling, reaching fourth place among the country’s political forces only months after its creation.
His proposals on immigration, same-sex civil unions and European integration have helped define the political position of the new party.
With Italy expected to hold its next national election in 2027, Vannacci’s challenge is becoming a new factor for Meloni and the wider Italian right.
