anytime Giorgia Meloni declared some trumpist hue slogan such as “More pride, Italians!”, Ignazio La Russa smiled from behind the podium where the leader of the Brothers of Italy spoke at a Milan rally. He appeared repeatedly in recent public actions by the party, a sign of how the extreme right has gained visibility in elections. La Russa became a recognizable figure in the campaign, celebrated the resignation of the prime minister last July, and his prominence was clear in the media portrayal of the moment. He has become one of the men of the hour in Italy’s political scene, a tough figure who has accompanied Meloni for years.
the La Russa example stands as a symbol. In Italy, Ignazio La Russa has long been a powerful player, a member of the political establishment for decades. He has served as defense minister, as a member of parliament, and as a senator in nearly a dozen chambers, tracing roots to the militant post-fascist youth in the 1970s. His father even served as his secretary. The fascist past of Benito Mussolini and the Fascist Party is a historical touchpoint for his family, and his brother Romano is noted for similar ties. La Russa began in politics at a young age, joining the Italian Social Movement, then the National Alliance, until political currents shifted. He supported Meloni in 2012, helping found the Brothers of Italy.
Ignazio La Russa’s presence has positioned him as a central figure in the party’s discourse. A seasoned force in government and a long-time ally of Meloni, he has contributed to shaping a mainstream conservatism that still echoes the party’s hardline roots. The historical associations and the team around him have been a focal point for observers seeking to understand the party’s evolution.
Ignazio La Russa is part of the broader leadership that has guided the Brothers of Italy through various political shifts, and his influence is often discussed in the context of Meloni’s broader strategy. The figure’s ties to institutions and the way he navigates negotiations with political bodies are noted as a key factor in the party’s approach to governance and policymaking.
Guido Crosetto, another co-founder of Meloni’s party, is seen as an experienced voice connected to the elite and the older political ecosystem. His background includes roots in the Christian Democracy and later roles in telepopulism. Crosetto’s long-standing ties to power and his influence within the party are often cited in analyses of the leadership’s inner circle.
Crosetto is described as one of Meloni’s main advisers by political scientists, and Italian media has followed his movements closely as a proxy for understanding power dynamics in Rome. His work and connections have fed into discussions about how alliances are formed and how policy directions are shaped within the government.
The group’s composition includes figures with varying levels of national experience, such as Isabella Rauti, named for her role within the party as it expands into the national arena. In recent elections, Rauti won a seat for Milan, with observers watching how the party might present new faces while maintaining its core base. Analysts speculate about future leadership roles and appearances of women within the party’s hierarchy.