Camporini explains why Vannacci’s armed forces are a danger

From one general to another: does Vannacci want to restore fascism in disguise? “An ordinary citizen reading his party’s manifesto might well have some doubts,” Vincenzo Camporini tells Il Foglio. “There are some highly controversial elements: whether or not this constitutes a resurgence of the ‘Ventennio’ will be decided by the judiciary.” Meanwhile, the Military Public Prosecutor’s Office in Rome has ordered preliminary investigations into the role of members of the Armed Forces within the organisational structure of ‘Futuro Nazionale’, with the aim of verifying whether any matters falling under military jurisdiction exist. General, are there other people like Vannacci in the Armed Forces? “A legitimate question. My experience over decades of service has never led me to believe there is a generalised political drift: I have seen it in the Air Force, within the joint forces. I have always demonstrated substantial neutrality, entirely in line with the provisions of the Constitution. Members of the armed forces must not only be free from any political affiliation, but also be perceived as such: I believe this is an ethical matter rather than a legal one.” And yet Vannacci is now heading towards 10 per cent. “Always from one general to another? I’m frankly stunned,” continues the former Chief of Staff of the Air Force. “To think that one in ten voters views certain extreme, and at times even grotesque, attitudes with sympathy – one need only think of the propaganda videos produced using artificial intelligence – leaves me speechless. I hope there are major inconsistencies amongst those conducting these polls.”

In fact, anti-establishment forces are usually underestimated. “History tells us that the risk is there: Italy in the 1920s, Germany in the 1930s. And let’s not forget what is happening elsewhere today: in Germany itself, the AfD is on the verge of reaching 40 per cent”. Is Vannacci doing the same? “We risk ungovernability. But even as things stand: a right-wing bloc stripped of the share allocated to Vannacci no longer has the numbers. Forming a government with him, in my view, is unthinkable for any political force. Whilst on the left they continue to dither over trivial matters. I foresee major problems.” How can the general be defeated on democratic grounds? “It’s difficult. It’s not for me to say, although my position is clear and unambiguous. However, one thing must be emphasised.” Please go on. “The growth of certain political movements, and their sustainability – including financial sustainability – not just ‘Futuro Nazionale’, not just in Italy – is somewhat perplexing. I believe there is a duty, on the part of those with the authority to do so, to investigate thoroughly any improper funding: where it came from, how it can be justified. It is a matter of democratic transparency. I want to rule out the possibility of external interference, first and foremost.” And what are your colleagues in the armed forces saying? “They are all bewildered, just like me. I’m talking about people who have recently left or are still on active service: I don’t feel any sympathy for Vannacci. But perhaps my circle of acquaintances isn’t representative.”