Vannacci voted ‘by mistake,’ French want to go back on Patriots’ Vice President

Brussels – General Vannacci heats the newly established Patriots for Europe group in the EU Parliament. The League’s MEP, strongly wanted on the lists by the party Secretary, Matteo Salvini, becomes a case. The French delegation of the Patriots (30 members) questions his election as Vice President of the parliamentary group, asking to go back on the decision because the vote allegedly took place “by mistake” by National Rally representatives.

On Monday (July 15), the group will take stock at a preparatory meeting ahead of the first sitting of the new Parliament. “We will make all decisions at the next meeting of the group on Monday,” the spokesman of the Patriots group, Alfonso De Mendoza, said, not denying the need for some decisions. “He was elected by acclamation. For me, there is no problem,” said League delegation leader Paolo Borchia. According to statements De Mendoza made to the press, however, there are problems. “There is no division. There is a new group, which has just been formed,” the spokesman tries to downplay. Translated: some MEPs still do not know how the European Parliament works.

Practically, there were the usual beginner’s mistakes, not a good calling card for those who want to accredit themselves as an alternative to the traditional forces. For sure, the figure of Vannacci animates the group’s internal debate. The French want to go back on their vote, showing a distrust of the General and, implicitly, a rejection of Salvini, who promoted him.