Roberto Vannacci’s newly launched far-right party, National Future, has the backing of 4.2% of Italian voters, according to a YouTrend poll for Sky TG24. The party was officially unveiled on Tuesday after Vannacci announced his departure from Matteo Salvini’s League. Vannacci, a paratroop general and controversial author, had served as joint deputy leader of the party.
The poll suggests National Future would draw much of its support from voters who previously backed the League and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy (FdI). Around 18% of National Future’s voters would come from the League, while 23% would come from FdI.
As a result, the poll estimates that FdI would lose 1.1 percentage points, the League 0.9 points, and Forza Italia 0.2 points. Forza Italia is the third major partner in the governing coalition.
National Future would also attract voters who were previously undecided or who had abstained, according to the poll.
Vannacci set up National Future after fallout with Salvini
Speaking on Tuesday, Vannacci confirmed he was leaving the League to lead his own political project. “From today, National Future is a reality,” he said.
Vannacci, 57, rose to prominence after publishing The World Back To Front, a bestselling book that criticised what he described as “woke” culture. The book sparked widespread controversy and led to disciplinary action by the army.
Despite the backlash, Vannacci won around half a million votes for the League in the last European Parliament elections. He later failed to replicate that success in the Tuscany regional elections.
In a series of social media posts, Vannacci said his aim was to “change Italy” and restore it as “a sovereign, safe, free, developed and prosperous country”.
“I continue on my path alone, with all those who pursue the dream of leaving their children a better country,” he wrote.
Salvini “bitter” over defection
Salvini reacted with disappointment to Vannacci’s decision. In a social media post, the League leader said he felt bitter after having supported the general when he faced criticism over his views.
“The League welcomed Vannacci into its family when everyone was against him,” Salvini wrote, listing the opportunities the party had given him, including his election to the European Parliament and his appointment as deputy party secretary.
