Roberto Vannacci sparks controversy with remarks about Tommaso Cerno

A political dispute has escalated between Roberto Vannacci, leader of Futuro Nazionale, and journalist Tommaso Cerno, director of Il Giornale. The conflict began following Cerno's criticism of Vannacci's party positions regarding 'protected time slots' on television.

Vannacci responded by using the phrase ‘gusti invertiti’ (inverted tastes) to refer to Cerno's sexual orientation, questioning whether those with ‘inverted tastes’ have a license to spread misinformation compared to those in the ‘normality’. Vannacci argued that television rules should be equal for all and that ‘gender and homosexualist propaganda’ should be restricted during protected time slots when children are watching.

Cerno has condemned the remarks, stating that Vannacci is using insults because he lacks the substance to engage in a merit-based debate. The Rai Board of Directors has also intervened, labeling Vannacci's comments as ‘unacceptable’, ‘offensive’, and ‘discriminatory’, asserting that such language has no place in civil and institutional discourse on public service broadcasting.