The war of words between Vannacci and Salvini. A back-and-forth on self-defence. But now they’re also vying for the attention of influencers

One of them, Matteo Salvini, appeared on television early this morning to say that “if anyone in the majority does not want the extension of self-defence, let them tell the Italians”. The others, Vannacchio’s supporters, held a press conference this afternoon to present their draft bill, which seems tailor-made for Mario Roggero. And indeed, Sergio Novani, head of the legal team representing the jeweller sentenced to over 14 years in prison (yesterday, the Turin Probation Service rejected the application for release submitted by his lawyers), is also present on the sidelines of the event. They, too, are taking direct aim at Forza Italia. “It’s true that Meloni has put forward proposals, as has the Lega, but there are parties such as FI – as we heard from Deputy Minister Sisto – who say that the Lega’s proposal is unacceptable,” says Laura Ravetto. “Instead of seeking dialogue with us, who share the same objectives – with us there is a chance to discuss matters – Meloni insists on discussing with FI, which has already stated that the proposal is unacceptable”. This is an attempt by the Vannacci supporters to try, in some way, to alter the composition and balance of the majority. It is no coincidence that the head of organisation for Futuro Nazionale, Edoardo Ziello, notes how “the majority is increasingly chameleon-like, changing colour and moving ever closer to ours” on issues relating to security and justice. Meanwhile, according to MP Rossano Sasso, “it took a scapegoat like Mario Roggero to rouse the moderate right from a four-year slumber on these issues”. The fact is that, in the meantime, in Milan, Futuro Nazionale has poached Luca Bernardo from Forza Italia – a former centre-right mayoral candidate and Forza Italia group leader on the City Council. On the substance of the matter, the proposal put forward by Vannacci’s supporters aims to introduce the following specific changes: shifting the legal basis from ‘serious disturbance’ to ‘perceived danger’; extending the scope to the immediate vicinity; removing compensation for offenders who become victims; and, finally, converting prison sentences to alternative measures for those over 70 years of age. In essence: a provision that would fit Roggero’s case almost perfectly.

Within the majority, the Lega was the first to take action on this issue, with Senator Claudio Borghi tabling a draft bill (with content similar to that proposed by Vannacchio’s supporters). Meanwhile, the bill the government is currently working on focuses primarily on imposing further restrictions on claims for compensation. At the press conference, Ravetto expressed openness to collaborating with the government: “We may find common ground with some ongoing initiatives, such as the security bill; in any case, we will table an amendment. “We will consider every possible amendment and see how they vote,” he explained. But the major stumbling block, as mentioned, is Forza Italia, which just yesterday intervened in the debate (once again through the Deputy Minister for Justice, Francesco Paolo Sisto), rejecting calls to broaden the scope of self-defence. Attempts to draw parallels between Vannacci and Meloni were also evident in the fact that Vannacci’s supporters pointed out that the security package presented by the general himself some time ago was called “Tolleranza zero”. That is, the very words used yesterday by Meloni in an interview with *Il Giornale*.

But apart from security, the League and the National Front also seem to be competing in another arena: trying to attract and bring into their fold certain influencers (we apologise to those concerned for the blunt term) who follow politics. Among these, above all, is Gianfredi, who satirises journalism. And TheJournalai, a widely followed Instagram channel known for its engaging take on usually stuffy festivals and events. Run by three professional journalists, who also work for other publications. Well, on Tuesday they were visiting the Chamber of Deputies, with Rossano Sasso and the rest of the Fn group acting as their guides around the Transatlantico (Sasso also took part in yesterday’s Fn press conference, asking whether it was appropriate to associate Elettra Lamborghini’s song “Il pistolero” with Mario Roggero). Gianfredi had already been a guest at the Lega’s youth party in Milano Marittima at the end of June, dining at the same table as Matteo Salvini (with whom he now seems to have a certain rapport in those tongue-in-cheek videos) and Francesca Verdini. TheJournalai, on the other hand, as reported in Il Foglio, have established ties with the Lega milieu solely due to the years of work they have accumulated for various publications (including La Repubblica and Propaganda Live). Could it be that Vannacci wants to try and make them more ‘friends’ than they could ever be to Salvini?