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. |
US court rejects a request by tribes to block $10B energy transmission project in ArizonaFather of boy accused of stabbing 2 Sydney clerics saw no signs of extremism, Muslim leader saysTaylor Swift teases The Tortured Poets Department album release week with Spotify messageA storm dumps record rain across the desert nation of UAE and floods the Dubai airportParis 2024: Roster of more than 10,000 Olympians is still forming, but trials await for thousandsTaylor Swift teases The Tortured Poets Department album release week with Spotify messageRussia begins withdrawing peacekeeping forces from Karabakh, now under full Azerbaijan controlJapan records a trade deficit for the third straight fiscal year despite recovering exportsWisconsin Supreme Court to hear arguments in Democratic governor's suit against GOPAlison Hammond's son Aidan follows in his mum's footsteps as he lands HUGE new job