Edoardo Eremita, like many young voters in southern Italy, once supported the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, captivated by its promise to tackle poverty and corruption.
Since then he has grown disenchanted with the party. When Italians vote in an election later this month, Eremita will swing to the right, opting for the Brothers of Italy led by firebrand Giorgia Meloni.
“I like the way she speaks — you feel safe with her. She is more credible than other leaders, even at a European level,” said the 28-year-old, who works for the national highway management company. “I’m not a racist or anti-gay. Once in government, she will compromise and not be so extreme.”