“The Italian has white skin, statistics say so”, the homosexual who “shows off as an exhibitionist must accept criticism”, “abortion is not a right”, the students at school, including disabled people “must be divided according to their abilities”. These are some theses that General Roberto Vannacci, candidate for the League in the European elections in the central constituency of Italy, has been supporting for some time. In the interview with The print today, however, the general now in Northern League uniform returned to the topic of disability with statements that sparked a storm, starting from the CEI.
But very harsh words also come from Giancarlo Giorgetti, Minister of Economy and deputy secretary of the Northern League. Do you share Vannacci’s positions? “No, I don’t agree with them”, he says from Piazza del Podestà in Varese, right under the historic headquarters of the Carroccio. The minister’s words come sharp, as in his style: few, and clear. But it is to the direct question, just as he was leaving the square, that Giorgetti is lapidary: «Do you agree with Vannacci’s candidacy? He’s not from the League.” The comment by Attilio Fontana, governor of Lombardy, is of the same tone: “Vannacci? I have always voted for representatives of the League and I will continue to vote for representatives of the League.”
«While respecting every opinion and every political choice, a cultural vision of life is at stake here. These statements take us back to the darkest periods of our history. I would like to say, with Pope Francis, that inclusion is a sign of civility”. disputes the vice president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Monsignor Francesco Savino. And then: «Separate classes reproduce ghettos. Separation into different classes for disabled siblings means that they are to be marginalized or viewed with suspicion. And instead they have many skills that we don’t have.”
Even president of the Italian Association of Down syndrome people, Gianfranco Salbini, considers Vannacci’s statements “very serious”: “We reiterate our commitment – he says – to defend the rights of people with disabilities and to promote an inclusive education that respects diversity . Vannacci’s statements not only go against the principles of equality and human rights, but also represent a violation of the UN Convention, which is the law of the Italian State”.
Vannacci, overwhelmed by the criticism, tries to patch things up late in the evening: «Clearly the title completely distorts my words with which I strongly assert that disabled people need special attention and additional help and not that they must be separated. The electoral campaign has begun!».
Harsh criticism from the centre-right: “Everyone is accountable for what they say. I don’t comment on what I don’t agree with. We take a clear position on the things we say, everything that does not belong to us is excluded”, is the criticism of the FdI group leader in the Chamber Tommaso Foti.
Forza Italia then also comes against the candidate: «To attract attention with effective outbursts you can achieve the result of uttering real nonsense. This seems to have happened to General Vannacci when talking about disability and diversity; instead serious topics that touch the intimate sensitivity of everyone to which respect and understanding must be given – comments Paolo Barelli, group leader of the Berlusconi supporters in Montecitorio -. ruminations that are less like an intellectual and more like Captain Fracassa there really wasn’t a need for it.”
Harsh comments were also made by members of the government. First it’s the turn of the Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi: «On the one hand I hope that Vannacci expressed himself badly, on the other, beyond the respect I have for everyone’s position, we are poles apart. Any other comment is superfluous.” And then to the Minister for the Family: «As far as mixed classes are concerned, we have the same position on disabled people as on Pioltello, that is, to encourage integration it is good that there is a mix and that people are used to being with those who have differences too. », states Eugenia Roccella. And then: «Vannacci’s candidacy for the European Championships belongs to the League first of all – adds the minister -, and in any case everyone is free to run, it is essential that there are different components in each side».
While Giuseppe Valditara, Minister of Education close to Salvini, states: “The League has concrete policies in favor of the inclusion of students with disabilities.” And then: «There are over 13,000 support teachers hired last September and other significant hires planned for the next few years. An important part of the Pnrr resources for construction destined for the redevelopment of schools to eliminate architectural barriers”.
