ROME (AP) — He was fired by the defense minister after writing a book deemed offensive to women, gays and Blacks. He is under investigation by Rome prosecutors for allegedly inciting racial hatred. He set off a firestorm over suggestions that disabled children be taught separately at school.
And on Tuesday, Gen. Roberto Vannacci, one of Italy’s most experienced army generals, joined Italy’s deputy premier and leader of the right-wing League party, Matteo Salvini, as the League’s headline candidate for upcoming European Parliament elections.
Salvini’s gamble to put the provocative Vannacci out front for the June 6-9 vote is something of a Hail Mary pass for the League, which has hemorrhaged support in recent years to the more hard-right Brothers of Italy party of Premier Giorgia Meloni.
By taking advantage of the media storm over Vannacci, Salvini is trying to breathe new life into his party, a junior partner in Meloni’s government, analysts said.
OpenAI pauses ChatGPT voice after Scarlett Johansson comparisons
Apple CEO highlights Chinese supplier's contribution to carbon emission reduction
Family in NW China's Ningxia carries forward paper cutting culture
All eyes on Xiaomi car to see if it can trump rivals
Eleanor Tomlinson puts on a leggy display in sparkly black minidress as she joins co
Business social credit regulations revised
Tighter U.S. chip curbs prompting concerns
Xi to Travel to U.S. for China
Farm family’s newest crop shows China’s solar ascendancy
People shop for decorations for upcoming Halloween in Ontario, Canada