Vannacci inaugurates an FnV branch in Coverciano, protests and clashes

Tension and harsh protest from a 'Florence Antifascist' group against Roberto Vannacci who participated in the inauguration of the second city headquarters of his Futuro Nazionale party in the Florentine neighborhood in Coverciano.

The MEP began his speech by saying "Good morning citizens, good morning Florence, and good morning to you stinkers too!", addressed to the protesters. The verbal skirmishes had also begun while waiting for Vannacci and the FnV militants had responded by singing Mameli's anthem.

Yesterday Vannacci said that he had not included his presence at the Coverciano inauguration on his agenda, but that he had changed his commitments having learned of the Antifa protest. The FnV section is located in a commercial building in Via Novelli and, Vannacci said, "was kindly granted by a person who supports our movement."

The moments of tension continued even at the end of Vannacci's speech, when from the gardens in front of the Futuro Nazionale headquarters a large group of left-wing militants attempted to approach the former general who was leaving. The officers intervened to act as a buffer, raising their shields and pushing back the protesters, who had 'caught' Vannacci and his militants at a close distance since the beginning of the political event.

The very limited charge achieved the desired effects. Vannacci left the premises without being physically attacked, despite the close distance, but was repeatedly insulted as he reached his car.

Some FNV representatives said they had eggs thrown at them. Tommaso Villa, the party's Tuscan coordinator, said he was hit by an "egg that was hard-boiled, fortunately". A police helicopter flew over the neighborhood while the AntiFa held a procession in the streets around via Novelli, thus continuing their protest at the opening of the second Futuro Nazionale branch in Florence.