Italian general and MEP Roberto Vannacci has officially joined the European Sovereign Nations group in the European Parliament. This group is dominated by the German Alternative for Germany (AfD). The politician's decision, elected from the League's lists, has sparked sharp reactions in Italy, forcing leaders of the ruling coalition to distance themselves from his radical views on sovereignty and the conflict in Ukraine.

Accession to the ESN Group

Roberto Vannacci has officially joined the European Sovereign Nations group, dominated by the German AfD.

Controversy over Ukraine

The general declared reluctance towards military sacrifice for Kyiv, sparking criticism from the government in Rome.

Italian Government's Distance

Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani distanced himself from Vannacci's decision, calling it the politician's private choice.

Building a New Right

Vannacci plans to federate smaller right-wing organizations under the Futuro Nazionale project.

Roberto Vannacci, a controversial Italian general serving as an MEP, has finalized his move to the far-right group European Sovereign Nations (ESN). The politician declared full alignment with the group's principles, emphasizing the need to defend national sovereignty against the federalist ambitions of the European Parliament. This decision was made on the second anniversary of the escalation of the war in Ukraine, further reinforcing the foreign policy message. Representatives of the AfD expressed satisfaction with the new cooperation, pointing to identical views on economic issues and international relations. Vannacci himself sparked further controversy by stating that one cannot consider "dying for Kyiv," which contradicts the official line of the Italian government. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani are seeking to distance themselves from these actions. Tajani emphasized that the general's choice is his individual decision and does not reflect the position of the ruling coalition. Roberto Vannacci gained notoriety in 2023 after publishing the book "The World Upside Down," which contained theses deemed homophobic and racist, ultimately leading to his entry into politics under the banner of Matteo Salvini's League. Cooperation with the AfD puts Matteo Salvini in a difficult position, as he sits in the less radical Patriots for Europe group. Vannacci, however, noted that despite joining the new faction, he intends to build a broad federation of right-wing groups in Italy through the association "Futuro Nazionale." The general assessed the current cabinet as the "least bad" and requiring protection, despite their differences in approach to European integration. „Mi riconosco nei loro principi” (I identify with their principles) — Roberto Vannacci „Difenderemo la sovranità nazionale contro il federalismo europeo” (We will defend national sovereignty against European federalism) — Roberto Vannacci From a European perspective, the consolidation of sovereigntist forces around the AfD could lead to further polarization within EU structures. The liberal opposition in Italy is demanding a clear declaration from Prime Minister Meloni, accusing her of failing to react to the political radicalization of one of the most popular MEPs elected in the country.

Mentioned People

  • Roberto Vannacci — Italian general and MEP who joined the far-right ESN parliamentary group.
  • Antonio Tajani — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, leader of the Forza Italia party.
  • Matteo Salvini — Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the League party, proponent of diplomatic solutions in Ukraine.