Far-Right Groups Rally in Rome as New Political Party Emerges
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Rome to advocate for stricter immigration controls, coinciding with the founding congress of a new right-wing political party, Futuro Nazionale. The march, which drew participants from across Italy, featured banners promoting 'remigration' and calls for the repatriation of migrants. The event attracted notable far-right and neo-fascist organizations, including Casapound, whose representatives advocated for the removal of both undocumented and, in some cases, legally resident migrants who have not, in their view, integrated into Italian society.
While the street demonstration unfolded, the inaugural meeting of Futuro Nazionale took place in the city's Auditorium della Conciliazione. The party, established by former general and current Member of the European Parliament Roberto Vannacci, has positioned itself as a new force within Italy's right-wing political spectrum. Vannacci, previously affiliated with the anti-immigration Lega party, conveyed strong opposition to immigration and suggested limitations on entry into Italy during a press briefing.
The formation of Futuro Nazionale introduces additional competition for the governing coalition, led by Giorgia Meloni of the Fratelli d'Italia party. Polling data suggests that the new party could secure approximately 4.5 percent of the national vote, drawing significant support from former Lega voters. The party already holds eight seats in the national parliament, occupied by former members of existing right-wing parties who have pledged allegiance to Vannacci's movement.
Media coverage indicated that over 1,500 delegates attended the founding congress. During the event, Vannacci addressed the audience and encouraged slogans emphasizing national identity. Reports from Italian news outlets described the congress as marked by strong nationalist rhetoric and the adoption of slogans such as 'Italy for Italians.' Vannacci's public statements at the event signaled a confrontational tone, highlighting the party's differentiation from established right-wing groups.
Background information on Roberto Vannacci reveals a career marked by controversy. Born in 1968, he served as a paratrooper before being suspended from military service in 2023 following the release of a contentious book. Despite his suspension, Vannacci was elected to the European Parliament in 2024 as a candidate for Lega. By February 2026, he officially broke ties with Lega, announcing the formation of his own political movement. The departure prompted disappointment from Lega leader Matteo Salvini, who expressed frustration over Vannacci's decision.
At the congress, Vannacci also articulated positions on foreign policy, openly criticizing Italy's current stance on the war in Ukraine and advocating for expedited peace negotiations. His remarks were reported by multiple national media outlets, which noted the party's skepticism about Italy's involvement in the conflict. Additionally, Vannacci described the parliamentary group established under his leadership as the 'dirty dozen,' referencing a well-known film, and emphasized the party's appeal to members from other right-leaning parties, including Lega, Fratelli d'Italia, and Forza Italia.
Recent polling conducted by the research institute Youtrend and disseminated by major Italian news channels estimates Futuro Nazionale's support at 4.4 percent. Observers note that the media attention surrounding the party's formation has provided an opportunity for far-right organizations to amplify their platform on immigration. In parallel with the party congress, these groups leveraged the public spotlight to organize demonstrations advocating for policies such as widespread migrant repatriation.
When questioned by journalists about legislative proposals from groups like Casapound regarding mass 'remigration,' Vannacci signaled openness to such measures, further aligning his party with hardline anti-immigration positions. The emergence of Futuro Nazionale reflects ongoing shifts within Italy's right-wing landscape, with established parties facing new challenges from factions advocating for stricter national policies and a recalibration of Italy's stance on key international issues.