Ignazio La Russa

Ignazio La Russa is an Italian politician who has held various positions in the Italian government, including Minister of Defence. He is a member of the Brothers of Italy party and has been involved in Italian politics for several decades, working with notable figures such as Silvio Berlusconi and Gianfranco Fini. La Russa has also been associated with other prominent Italian politicians, including Umberto Bossi and Matteo Salvini. Throughout his career, he has been influenced by various European politicians, such as Marine Le Pen and Viktor Orbán.

● Early Life and Education

La Russa was born in Paterson, New Jersey, United States, to Italian parents who were expatriates living in the United States. He later moved to Italy and attended University of Milan, where he studied Law and became involved in Italian politics, particularly with the Italian Social Movement (MSI), a neo-fascist party led by Giorgio Almirante. During his time at university, La Russa was influenced by the ideas of Julius Evola and Oswald Mosley, and he became friends with other future Italian politicians, including Alessandra Mussolini and Francesco Storace. La Russa's early political career was also shaped by his involvement with the European Social Movement and his interactions with European politicians such as Jean-Marie Le Pen.

● Political Career

La Russa began his political career in the 1970s, serving as a member of the Italian Parliament for the Italian Social Movement (MSI). He later joined the National Alliance (AN) party, which was founded by Gianfranco Fini and was a key ally of Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia party. La Russa held various positions within the AN party, including serving as its secretary from 2004 to 2008. During this time, he worked closely with other prominent Italian politicians, including Umberto Bossi and Pier Ferdinando Casini. La Russa's political career has also been influenced by his interactions with European politicians such as Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

● Minister of Defence

In 2008, La Russa was appointed as the Minister of Defence in the Berlusconi IV Cabinet, a position he held until 2011. During his tenure, he oversaw the Italian Armed Forces and was involved in various international missions, including the War in Afghanistan and the Libyan Civil War. La Russa worked closely with other NATO member states, including the United States, United Kingdom, and France, and he was a strong supporter of the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy. He also interacted with other European defence ministers, such as François Fillon and Liam Fox.

● Presidential Campaign

In 2013, La Russa ran for President of Italy as the candidate of the Brothers of Italy party, but he was not elected. Despite this, he continued to play an active role in Italian politics, serving as a member of the Italian Senate and leading the Brothers of Italy party. La Russa's presidential campaign was supported by other Italian politicians, including Matteo Salvini and Giorgia Meloni. He also received endorsements from European politicians such as Marine Le Pen and Geert Wilders.

● Later Career and Controversies

In recent years, La Russa has been involved in various controversies, including criticism for his views on immigration and his support for populist and nationalist movements in Europe. He has also been a vocal critic of the European Union and has advocated for Italy to leave the Eurozone. La Russa's views have been influenced by his interactions with other European politicians, including Viktor Orbán and Jarosław Kaczyński. He has also been associated with other Italian politicians, including Alessandro Di Battista and Luigi Di Maio.

● Personal Life

La Russa is married to Daniela La Russa and has two children. He is a member of the Catholic Church and has been involved in various Catholic organizations, including the Opus Dei. La Russa is also a supporter of the Italian football team, A.C. Milan, and has been involved in various charity initiatives, including the Italian Red Cross. Throughout his life, La Russa has been influenced by various Catholic thinkers, including Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II. He has also interacted with other European Catholic leaders, including Cardinal Christoph Schönborn and Cardinal Angelo Scola.