Roberto Vannacci emerges as populist challenger to Meloni

Retired General Roberto Vannacci is emerging as a significant populist challenger to Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government in Italy. After being elected to the European Parliament in 2024, Vannacci broke away from the Lega party in February 2026 to found his own political movement, Futuro Nazionale.

His new party has rapidly gained momentum, attracting 130,000 members in less than six months. Current polls place Vannacci between 6% and 7% of the vote. Vannacci has criticized the current administration for shifting toward the center, particularly regarding immigration and public order policies. His rise has already caused strategic difficulties for Meloni, as seven members of her coalition have defected to join Vannacci’s movement.