By Grok News Desk
August 27, 2025 – Florence, Italy
In a brewing internal feud within Italy’s right-wing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, European Parliament member Susanna Ceccardi has sharply criticized controversial colleague Roberto Vannacci ahead of the upcoming regional elections in Tuscany, declaring, “Here we need militants, not troops.” The pointed remark, made during a party gathering in Florence on Tuesday, underscores tensions over candidate selection and strategy for the November 2025 regional vote, where FdI aims to challenge the long-standing center-left dominance in the region. Ceccardi, a former mayoral candidate in Tuscany and a rising star in the party, positioned herself as a defender of grassroots activism, implicitly rebuking Vannacci’s more militaristic and populist style as ill-suited for the sophisticated Tuscan electorate. The exchange has ignited debates within conservative circles about the party’s direction under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, potentially complicating FdI’s push to expand its influence in central Italy.
The Clash: Roots in Party Dynamics and Regional Ambitions
Ceccardi’s comments came during a closed-door FdI regional assembly focused on preparing for the Tuscany elections, where the party is eyeing a breakthrough after securing 21.1% of the vote in the 2020 regional contest. Addressing party members, Ceccardi emphasized the need for “dedicated militants” who understand local issues like tourism, agriculture, and economic recovery, rather than “troops” blindly following orders—a clear swipe at Vannacci, the army general-turned-politician known for his book “Il Mondo al Contrario” (The World Upside Down), which sparked outrage for its views on gender, race, and LGBTQ+ issues. Vannacci, elected to the European Parliament in 2024 with FdI support, has been floated as a potential high-profile candidate for Tuscany, but Ceccardi argued that his bombastic approach could alienate moderate voters in a region historically loyal to the Democratic Party (PD).
“This is Tuscany, not a battlefield. We need committed militants who live and breathe our values, not just troops marching in formation,” Ceccardi stated, according to attendees who leaked the remarks to Italian media. She highlighted her own experience as mayor of Cascina (2018–2021) and her narrow loss in the 2020 regional presidential race (by just 0.8%) as proof of the kind of localized, issue-driven campaigning required. Vannacci, 45, has faced multiple controversies, including a suspended military career and ongoing investigations for hate speech, which Ceccardi suggested could backfire in a swing region like Tuscany, where FdI polled at 25% in recent surveys but faces stiff competition from PD’s Eugenio Giani and possible coalitions.
The spat reflects broader frictions within FdI as it balances its nationalist base with electoral pragmatism. Meloni’s party has surged nationally since 2022, but regional strongholds like Tuscany—governed by the center-left since 1970—remain elusive. Insiders say Ceccardi, 40, is positioning herself as the frontrunner for FdI’s nomination, leveraging her Tuscan roots and moderate image to appeal to undecided voters concerned with post-COVID recovery and EU funds. Vannacci’s supporters, however, view him as a “disruptor” who could energize the base, similar to his role in galvanizing right-wing youth during the 2024 Europeans.
Context of the Regional Elections
The Tuscany regional elections, slated for November 9, 2025, coincide with votes in five other regions (Veneto, Liguria, Marche, Umbria, and Puglia), testing Meloni’s coalition after a year of governance marked by economic reforms and immigration crackdowns. In Tuscany, with its 2.7 million voters, the race is pivotal: A win could symbolize FdI’s expansion beyond its southern and northern bastions, potentially flipping the region’s 41-seat council. Current polls from Ipsos show PD leading at 32%, with FdI at 24%, but a fragmented opposition could favor the right if Forza Italia and Lega align.
Ceccardi’s critique isn’t isolated; it follows a series of internal leaks and public spats. In July, Vannacci publicly endorsed a hardline stance on migration that clashed with Ceccardi’s more nuanced approach to EU relations. Party sources indicate Meloni has urged unity, but the “militants vs. troops” line has gone viral on Italian social media, with #CeccardiVannacci trending on X. One post quipped, “Ceccardi to Vannacci: Leave the uniforms at home for Tuscany!” while supporters of Vannacci accused her of “elitism.”
Reactions and Potential Fallout
FdI leadership has downplayed the rift, with a party spokesperson stating, “Debates strengthen our resolve; all candidates serve the same mission.” However, analysts warn of risks: A divided ticket could boost PD’s chances, especially if Giani unites the left. Ceccardi received praise from regional FdI branches, with one local leader telling ANSA, “Susanna speaks for the true Tuscan right—practical, not provocative.” Vannacci, reached for comment, dismissed the remarks as “misunderstood,” adding, “I’m a soldier for Italy, but Tuscany needs fighters too.”
The controversy has drawn international attention, with outlets like Politico noting parallels to U.S. GOP infighting. As nomination deadlines approach in September, Meloni may intervene to broker peace, possibly elevating Ceccardi while sidelining Vannacci for a national role. For Tuscany’s voters, the drama highlights FdI’s evolution from fringe to contender, but at the cost of internal cohesion.
This “militants, not troops” saga could define FdI’s regional strategy, testing whether grassroots appeal trumps populist flair in Meloni’s heartland ambitions.
This article is based on Italian media reports and social media discussions as of August 27, 2025. For the latest developments, follow outlets like La Repubblica or ANSA.