Digital alteration and campaign post

On 25 September 2026, Roberto Vannacci, leader of Futuro Nazionale, published an altered image of undersecretary for parliamentary relations Matilde Siracusano on social media ahead of the Reggio Calabria by-election. The image originated from a photograph on Siracusano's personal Instagram account showing her seated at a table alongside Forza Italia candidate Fabio Roscioli and Senator Claudio Lotito. The digital edit removed the white top she wore beneath a floral jacket, replacing it with a low-cut neckline. Vannacci accompanied the post with a slogan attacking Forza Italia, stating that the parliamentary seat was neither a branch of Arcore nor a national waste bin. The publication triggered immediate condemnation across the Italian political spectrum on 26 September 2026.

Legal response and coalition fallout

Siracusano announced her intention to file a formal criminal complaint against Vannacci, describing the manipulation of her image as an act of political denigration aimed at her partner, Calabria regional president Roberto Occhiuto. She stated that she has never run for office in Reggio Calabria and will not do so, rendering the personal attack politically baseless. The undersecretary noted that while she has encountered sexist attacks in the past, deploying software to undress a woman establishes a dangerous precedent for vulnerable individuals. She also rejected any future coalition between Forza Italia and Futuro Nazionale, asserting that Vannacci's positions are incompatible with moderate center-right governance.

Siracusano explained her decision to pursue legal avenues in comments to Italian media:

“Undressing a woman as an electoral campaign tool, with a clear denigratory intent solely because I am the partner of the regional president, is a perverse and squalid choice that has no meaning.”

Government condemnation and cross-party reactions

Deputy Prime Minister and Forza Italia leader Antonio Tajani condemned the social media post on X, calling the tactic an example of political emptiness.

“Retouching a photo to try to ridicule a political opponent is dishonorable for those who preach respect for rules. It is the classic example of a moralist without morals.”

Public Administration Minister Paolo Zangrillo stated that political actors who rely on defamation and artificial manipulation cannot share a governing alliance with Forza Italia. Minister for Parliamentary Relations Luca Ciriani of Fratelli d'Italia termed the altered photo improper and defended his deputy minister. Senate President Ignazio La Russa extended solidarity to Siracusano, remarking that digital tampering damages personal dignity. Additional cross-party support came from Mara Carfagna of Noi Moderati, Catia Polidori of Azzurro Donna, and lawmakers from the Democratic Party, the League, Avs, and Azione.

Defense and election timeline

Vannacci defended his actions on social media by denying that he personally generated the digital edit with artificial intelligence software. He posted a direct link to a local Calabrian blog where the manipulated photo had previously appeared, instructing critics to address their complaints to the original creators. The Futuro Nazionale leader dismissed the outcry, stating that opponents turned to personal attacks due to a lack of arguments and telling critics to continue obsessing over necklines. The dispute unfolded one day before voters in Reggio Calabria cast ballots on 27 and 28 September 2026 for a vacant seat in the Chamber of Deputies. Candidate Fabio Roscioli represents the official center-right ticket in the single-member constituency.