After the discussions and expectations, the rumors and the controversies, Matteo Salvini discovers his card for the European elections by making official, on April 25, the candidacy of General Roberto Vannacci who will run in all the constituencies. “I am happy that a man of value like the general has decided to continue his battles for freedom together with the League in the European Parliament”, he told the audience who came to listen to the presentation of his book ‘Controvento’, at the Institute for the Blind in Milan. Liberation Day was addressed by Salvini by telling, through the upcoming book, his story and his battles, looking at future challenges. And precisely because we are talking about the future, the deputy prime minister wanted to reiterate that he is ready to fight together with the general “in the name of freedom and patriotism”.
Video Salvini: ‘I present my book where, how and when I want’
Vannacci immediately thanked the Northern League member, making it clear what his watchwords will be: “I will be an independent candidate who maintains his own identity and who will fight, with courage, to affirm his own values of homeland, traditions, family, sovereignty and identity that I abundantly share with the League”. Many fear him, others acclaim him. But one thing is certain: in the League, Vannacci’s candidacy was the most awaited – certainly not a surprise – which caused a lot of talk on that front which still does not look favorably on the general and his many declarations considered out of line . Salvini, however, carried on, leaving behind the stomachaches within his party. Today there is room for another diatribe, all centered on the circumstance, or rather, on the date chosen by the minister to formalize the general’s race. The “Captain” had already been attacked for having decided to present his book on Liberation Day, without saying, however, if and where he would celebrate the anniversary.
“I believe I am in a democracy and I can present a book where I want, how I want and when I want”, he stated, returning the accusations to the sender. “I have always honored April 25th without having to flaunt it”, Salvini’s response to the celebration in Largo of Milanese fallen for the country. “I didn’t say it until the end to avoid there being those who, instead of celebrating the past so that it doesn’t return, go around creating problems”, he explained. Having made Vannacci’s candidacy official, in any case, causes discussion: A “provocation – said Avs MP Angelo Bonelli – A xenophobic turning point that rewards a general under disciplinary action initiated by Defense Minister Crosetto”.
“To celebrate April 25th” Salvini announces “the candidacy of Vannacci, a crypto-fascist soldier who says he cannot define himself as anti-fascist”, the comment of the secretary of Più Europa Riccardo Magi. Of course, even in the League, not everyone likes the ‘non-League’. But now the die has been cast. Vannacci aside, the clock is ticking and the parties are in the final rush. The lists must be submitted by May 1st. But all eyes are still on the leaders. They released the reserves Elly Schlein and Antonio Tajani. The candidacy of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also expected in the next few hours. And if Giuseppe Conte and Salvini have given up, the intentions of Matteo Renzi and Carlo Calenda still remain suspended. The two former allies are trying to stall, they have until May 1st.
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