Roberto Vannacci
Roberto Vannacci | |
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| Born | 20 November 1968 La Spezia, Liguria, Italy |
| Allegiance |  Italy |
| Service/ |  Esercito Italiano |
| Rank | .svg){kind=small} General |
| Commands held | 9th Paratroopers Assault Regiment "Col Moschin" Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" |
| Battles/wars | Somali Civil War War in Afghanistan War in Iraq Libyan Civil War |
| Awards |  Knight Grand Cross, OMRI  Commander, Legion of Merit |
General Roberto Vannacci (born 20 November 1968) is an Italian Army former officer.[1]
He held the roles of commander of the 9th Paratroopers Assault Regiment "Col Moschin", of the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore", of the Italian troops in the Iraqi civil war as well as of "Task Force 45" during the War in Afghanistan. He also commanded Italian forces deployed in the Balkans, Rwanda, Somalia and Libya, and was awarded the US Legion of Merit in 2018 for his efforts to combat the Islamic State group.[2]
Vannacci became a well-known and discussed figure following the publication, in August 2023, of his book Il mondo al contrario (English: The world upside down) which, due to the controversial statements expressed on women, immigrants, homosexuals and environmentalism,[3] brought him to the center of considerable media attention. The book rose to first place among the best sellers in Italy in the week from 14 to 20 August.[4] It also led to his dismissal from the military, with Defense Minister Guido Crosetto saying that the publication had not been cleared by Vannacci's supperiors and that Vannacci "expressed opinions that discredit the army, the defense ministry and the constitution".[2]
In April 2024, he accepted the candidacy to the European Parliament for the right-wing populist party the League.[5]
References
- ^ Chi è Roberto Vannacci: lauree, medaglie e missioni speciali. La Nazione
- ^ a b "Italy's League party picks a provocative candidate for European Parliament election". Associated Press. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ^ General Vannacci probed over anti-gay book. Ansa
- ^ Vannacci Vannacci e quel nostro mondo al contrario. Famiglia Cristiana
- ^ Salvini candida Vannacci alle Europee con la Lega. Il Foglio
| Authority control databases: National |
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