A new political challenge is emerging on the Italian right as retired general Roberto Vannacci moves to build a party aimed at capturing voters further to the right of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The 57-year-old European Parliament member has founded Futuro Nazionale, a new political movement designed to attract conservative voters who believe Italy’s ruling right-wing coalition has become too moderate since taking power.
Vannacci’s entry into national politics comes during the final phase of the current legislature and could reshape relations among the parties supporting the government. His new formation seeks to occupy a space that had traditionally been controlled by more radical elements of the conservative camp, particularly as Meloni’s Brothers of Italy has strengthened its position as the dominant force on the Italian right.
Until recently, Vannacci was known mainly within Italy’s armed forces. His rise to national prominence followed the self-publication of his book Il mondo al contrario (The World Upside Down), a work that included statements described in the source text as racist, xenophobic and homophobic. The publication led to disciplinary action from the military but also transformed him into a national political figure among parts of the right-wing electorate.
Matteo Salvini’s League quickly capitalized on Vannacci’s media attention and brought him into politics, placing him prominently on its European election lists and helping him secure a seat in the European Parliament. Months later, Vannacci left the party to pursue an independent political path, culminating in the creation of Futuro Nazionale.
The new party presents itself around themes including “Christian civilization,” the “natural family” and “national identity.” It has also called for tougher measures against irregular immigration and opposed what it describes as woke policies. Vannacci has rejected the label of far-right politician, saying instead that he represents an “authentic right.”
The general has also openly expressed nostalgia for Italy’s fascist legacy and admiration for Russia and President Vladimir Putin, positions that place him apart from Meloni’s international approach. The Italian prime minister has maintained a position aligned with NATO and Western support for Ukraine, according to the source text.
Futuro Nazionale has already begun attracting attention in opinion polls. The party is estimated to have between 4% and 5% support and claims around 100,000 members. A recent YouTrend survey placed the new party ahead of Salvini’s League for the first time, with Futuro Nazionale receiving 5.9% support compared with 5.8% for the League. The same survey placed Meloni’s Brothers of Italy as Italy’s leading political force with 27.8%.
The party has also gained an initial presence in parliament, beginning with eight lawmakers who left parties within the governing coalition. The move represents an early sign of Vannacci’s ability to attract support from sections of Italy’s conservative and far-right electorate.
At Futuro Nazionale’s first founding assembly in Rome, Vannacci presented his political project and emphasized themes of Italian and Christian identity, stricter immigration policies and opposition to equality policies. He also declared that his movement stood for “Italy for Italians.”
Political scientist Giovanni Orsina, a professor at Luiss University in Rome, said Vannacci’s rise reflects a broader political pattern in which right-wing parties that gain power through aggressive rhetoric must moderate once they enter government, creating space for forces further to the right. Orsina said Vannacci’s growth is closely connected to the crisis facing Salvini’s League.
Electoral analyst Lorenzo Pregliasco, director of YouTrend, also identified Futuro Nazionale as a direct competitor to the League and said the general’s growing media presence contrasts with Salvini’s declining leadership. According to Pregliasco, Vannacci’s support comes from both traditional center-right voters and a broader group of anti-establishment and disillusioned voters.
Experts do not consider Vannacci capable of challenging Meloni’s leadership of the Italian right in the short term. However, his party has already changed the internal debate within the conservative bloc and created a new political dilemma for Italy’s governing coalition as it approaches the 2027 elections.
