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Tensions at Vannacci rally in Pescara: protests and straight-arm salutes, police intervenes

People gather for a peaceful protest in support of Ukraine, holding signs and banners in a busy city square.
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Tensions marked the rally of Roberto Vannacci, leader of Futuro Nazionale, held in Piazza Sacro Cuore in Pescara. The event was organized to present the affiliation of Valeria Toppetti and Cristian Orta, former members of the current city administration led by Mayor Carlo Masci, to the party.

During the rally, around one hundred protesters demonstrated against Vannacci, chanting antifascist slogans such as "fascists, back to the sewers" and singing "Bella Ciao." Protesters also displayed banners reading "Futuro Nazionale, servants of capital" and "Gramsci lives (and fights alongside us)."

Police in riot gear intervened to prevent physical contact between the two opposing sides. The rally concluded without reported incidents.

From the stage, Vannacci responded to the protesters by quoting Gabriele D'Annunzio: "Me ne frego, me ne frego, me ne frego." At the end of the event, he ironically thanked the demonstrators, saying: "These gentlemen have made the evening even more entertaining, they provided us with this spectacle, it feels like being at the zoo." Parliamentarian Rossano Sasso, also addressing the protesters, called them "red ticks."

Additionally, some Futuro Nazionale activists performed the straight-arm salute during the rally. Participants waved Italian flags and raised the straight arm toward party leaders on stage, chanting in unison: "Italy, nation, remigration." The straight-arm salute was also observed during the playing of the national anthem that opened the event.