Italian ex‑general Roberto Vanacci launches far‑right party challenging Meloni

Roberto Vanacci, a former commander of Italy’s special forces, announced the creation of the new far‑right party “National Future” (Futuro Nazionale) at a founding assembly in Rome attended by about 1,700 supporters, including eight Lega MPs. Early polls give the party roughly 4.5‑5% voter intent, positioning it as a potential spoiler for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition ahead of the next election.

Vanacci’s platform calls for mass deportations of illegal migrants, opposes LGBT rights, critiques the European Union and urges an end to Italy’s financial and military support for Ukraine. He has previously sat with the Lega in the European Parliament but now seeks an independent nationalist line. Government members, including Lega leader Antonio Tàgiani and Agriculture Minister Francesco Lombardi, have ruled out any alliance with Vanacci, while Meloni faces declining poll numbers after a failed justice‑reform referendum and economic challenges.

Analysts warn the party could siphon decisive votes from the centre‑right bloc, complicating coalition building and Meloni’s bid for re‑election in 2027.