Roberto Vannacci's migration remarks trigger debate in Italy

Lega vice‑secretary Roberto Vannacci told a TV program that gay citizens in Italy “have all the rights: they can drive and receive hospital care,” comparing the situation to Sweden. He also claimed that, if bilateral agreements with migrants’ countries of origin are lacking, Italy would deport them to a “safe third country,” though he offered no details on where or under what costs.

Journalists Lilli Gruber and Lina Palmerini pressed Vannacci on the practicalities of such repatriations, exposing the absence of existing agreements. The interview also covered his stance on other issues, including the minimum wage and his voting record on government confidence motions, prompting criticism from right‑wing commentators who questioned his alignment with the broader centre‑right coalition.

The controversy highlights internal tensions within Italy’s right‑wing parties over migration policy and coalition dynamics.