Italy’s Far-Right Leader Vannacci Calls for Halt to EU Political Integration

CERNOBBIO: Italian far-right politician Roberto Vannacci has called for an end to the European Union’s drive toward deeper political integration, arguing that the bloc should instead focus on cooperation while protecting Europe’s cultural identity.

Speaking at the TEHA Ambrosetti business forum in Cernobbio, Vannacci, a former army general and leader of the newly established Futuro Nazionale party, criticised what he described as excessive EU bureaucracy and centralisation. He advocated transforming the European Union into a platform for cooperation among sovereign states rather than an institution exerting greater political control over its members.

Vannacci also praised the growing influence of right-wing political movements across Europe, including Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) and France’s National Rally, reflecting his broader call for stronger national sovereignty and a more limited role for EU institutions.

His remarks came during a debate with former Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, who strongly criticised Vannacci’s rhetoric and compared elements of it with nationalism associated with the era of Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini.

While Vannacci received some applause from participants, Monti’s intervention reportedly drew a warmer response from sections of the audience. Some business figures attending the forum, however, expressed support for Vannacci’s criticism of EU regulations.

Vannacci’s appearance at the high-profile business gathering comes as his newly formed Futuro Nazionale party gains political traction in Italy. Recent polling has placed the party as the country’s fourth-most popular political force, increasing pressure on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition ahead of the next parliamentary elections.