It is said that silence is worth a thousand words and in politics it is perhaps even more true. When on Saturday 27 April the words of Roberto Vannacci a The print began to circulate, it was not immediately easy to identify which would be the topic that would attract the most criticism and controversy. Upon a second reading, however, it became clear that the idea of proposing «classes with “separate characteristics”» between students «with potential» and disabled students would not go unnoticed. And in fact, first the centre-left, then the associations and the social world expressed all their indignation at the inappropriate words of the general candidate with the League in the European elections in June. But the wave of indignation did not remain confined to the opposition and also spilled over into the majority, up to the party itself that will take him to Strasbourg. The words of Giuseppe Valditara, the League’s Minister of Education, who supported the policies promoted in favor of the inclusion of students with disabilities, did not go unnoticed, nor did the words of the Forzista group leader in the Chamber Paolo Barelli who compared Vannacci to Capitan Smash. Even a loyalist like Susanna Ceccardi criticized those utterances, followed by the leader of Noi Moderates Maurizio Lupi who defined them as “pure madness”. But the strongest shock came from Economy Minister Giorgetti, who distanced himself well from the general: “He is not from the League and I don’t agree with his words.” However, what also makes noise is the silence of Matteo Salvini, who strongly wanted that candidacy even by imposing it on part of his party.
First outing for Salvini and Vannacci
In the League the discontent is no longer hidden but everything will depend on how these elections go. If the party, which is already aware that it will lose two thirds of its MEPs, holds at least above 9 percent and Vannacci brings a significant number of votes, the discontent will be swept away. Otherwise Salvini will have to internally account for his choices. Also because the League now expects to send no more than 8-9 elected representatives to Strasbourg, and Vannacci is sure of a seat which will therefore be at the expense of some strong names in the party. Meanwhile, Salvini did not comment on his candidate’s slippery statements and according to the Corriere della Sera he is already preparing his first public outing together with the general next Tuesday, at the presentation of his Against the wind at the Temple of Hadrian. The military’s presence is not yet official but the deputy prime minister intends to armor his candidate and launch him into the election campaign.
The CEI: «Words that take us back to dark times»
Speaking of words that make noise, those of the vice-president of the CEI, Monsignor Francesco Savino, have arrived, who al Corriere della Sera he branded the general’s theses as “a racist conception of life”. Neither more nor less. «This is the ridge on which, today, we are called to decide which side we are on», said the bishop of Cassano allo Jonio, «these are words that take us back to the darkest times in our history». According to the bishop, with Vannacci the culture of I don’t care passes, which must be contrasted with that of being interested, of having Don Milani at heart. «I don’t make it a political issue but a cultural one, of civilization. A similar vision, which discards and isolates differences, is a weakness for democracy and coexistence, it blocks civil progress”, the monsignor continues, “diversity is not a problem. Whether it’s skin diversity, sexual, biological, mental or whatever. Diversity is a resource, always. I believe this is the vision that must unite believers and non-believers.”
