General Roberto Vannacci (20 November 1968) is an Italian Army former officer.[1]
Roberto Vannacci | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 20 November 1968 La Spezia, Liguria, Italy |
| Allegiance |  Italy |
| Service/ |  Esercito Italiano |
| Rank | .svg){kind=small} General |
| Commands held | 9th Paratroopers Assault Regiment "Col Moschin" Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" |
| Battles/wars | Rwandan Civil War Somali Civil War Yugoslav Wars War in Afghanistan War in Iraq Second Libyan Civil War |
| Awards |  Knight Grand Cross, OMRI  Commander, Legion of Merit |
He held the roles of commander of the 9th Paratroopers Assault Regiment "Col Moschin", of the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore", of the Italian troops in the Iraqi civil war as well as of "Task Force 45" during the War in Afghanistan. He also commanded Italian forces deployed in the Balkans, Rwanda, Somalia and Libya, and was awarded the US Legion of Merit in 2018 for his efforts to combat the Islamic State group.[2]
Vannacci became a well-known and discussed figure following the publication, in August 2023, of his book Il mondo al contrario (English: The world upside down) which, due to the controversial statements expressed on feminists, immigrants, homosexuals, environmentalism, and Jews[3] brought him to the center of considerable media attention. The book rose to first place among the best sellers in Italy in the week from 14 to 20 August.[4] Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said that the publication had not been cleared by Vannacci's superiors and that Vannacci "expressed opinions that discredit the Army, the Ministry of Defence and the Constitution".[2]
In April 2024, he accepted the candidacy to the European Parliament for the right-wing party the League.[5] He was elected to the European Parliament and was the second most voted candidate in Italy.[6]
References
edit- ^ Mecarozzi, Pietro (18 August 2023). "Chi è Roberto Vannacci: lauree, medaglie e missioni speciali". La Nazione.
- ^ a b "Italy's League party picks a provocative candidate for European Parliament election". Associated Press. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ^ "General Vannacci probed over anti-gay book". Agenzia ANSA (in Italian). 4 December 2023.
- ^ Stimamiglio, Father Stefano (4 September 2023). "Vannacci e quel nostro mondo al contrario". Famiglia Cristiana.
- ^ De Rosa, Gianluca (25 April 2024). "Salvini candida Vannacci alle europee con la Lega". Il Foglio (in Italian).
- ^ "Oltre mezzo milione di voti per Vannacci: "Brindo con i camerati"". HuffPost Italia (in Italian). 10 June 2024.