Vannacci: Right-Wing Forces Are the Future of Europe

Roberto Vannacci, a representative of the Italian right wing, called on the European Union to halt political integration and instead defend its cultural identity. In response, former Prime Minister Mario Monti warned against his "fascist rhetoric".

Vannacci is a former general, and his party, Futuro Nazionale, became the fourth most popular political force in Italy just seven months after its founding. He discussed European integration with Monti at the TEHA Ambrosetti business conference on Lake Como.

According to Vannacci, the EU should significantly reduce bureaucracy and become "a platform of collaboration, not coercion". Instead of rules that, in his view, stifle economic initiative, it should protect its "culture and civilization". He also declared that right-wing forces represent the future of Europe, pointing to Germany's Alternative for Germany and France's Rassemblement National.

Monti, who led Italy during the debt crisis from 2011 to 2012, said he is horrified by the prospect of Vannacci's party coming to power. He warned against stoking the discontent and resentment of Italians, much as dictator Benito Mussolini had done.

Vannacci's speech was met with polite applause, while Monti's remarks were received more warmly by the audience.

(Reuters, lud)