Vannacci’s muse. The General is courting Edoardo Sylos Labini to climb the ranks at Rai. He says: “He’s a fan of mine, just like La Russa”

Meloni, please be cautious! Vannacci is courting Rai’s very own D’Annunzio. The malicious rumour and the poisonous whisper: “Vannacci wants to make Edoardo Sylos Labini his Rai scout. He wants him among his futurists”. Let’s dig up the old Rai Mole, the comrade left disoriented after the Ranucci affair: “It’s all true. He’s the only one who can pave the way for him at Rai.” Who is he? Sylos Labini? He’s the ‘Vate’ of the right – an actor, presenter and editor-in-chief of “Cultura e Identità”, the newspaper that chronicles provincial life, local traditions and the ‘Strapaese’. He’s also Luna Berlusconi’s ex-partner. He has two Rai programmes: one is "Radix" and the other is "Inimitabili", featuring stories of extraordinary characters. And if I may say so, Sylos is one of them too. At Vannacci’s rally – the day the party was founded – in Rome, we found ourselves locked in a cage (the press had been segregated) with Sylos Labini, who described himself as ‘a curious sort’.

So, is it true or not that Sylos is joining the Futurists? Let’s give him a ring. Dear Editor, dear Poet, is it true that you’re heading into the world of entertainment with Vannacci, acting as his RAI spotter? “It’s fake news, but it’s true that Vannacci talks about D’Annunzio and Marinetti and, as you know, without exaggerating, it was I who revived the myth of D’Annunzio on TV.” So, is there ‘Fuoco’ between you? “Vannacci says a lot of things we have in common. He likes the provinces, the small local communities. I’m an artist.” Vannacci needs art… “An artist is an intellectual who must show the way, and I’ve been showing it for twenty years. I’ve put my face and my heart into it.” And Rai has provided the programmes, correct? “We’ll be back with our programmes, and I’m also writing a book about provincial towns.” Let’s get back to Vannacci – does he have a soft spot for you? “He appreciates my work, but my number one fan is Ignazio La Russa. Meloni appreciates me too, and I was also the cultural director of Forza Italia.” Today is Vannacci’s moment… “I can say, more fans are welcome.” Dear Sylos Labini, do you want a Meloni–Vannacci alliance? “The Italians want it.” As a director, what advice would you give to Vannacci and his ‘gladiator’ video with the colander? “Some videos are entertaining; after all, even Trump uses AI. Vannacci’s biggest press office is the Left. Take my word for it.” Whose side is Sylos Labini on? Meloni’s, Vannacci’s, La Russa’s or the RAI’s? “I’m a man of the arts.” Either we end up on RAI prime time or we’re all off to Fiume.