Domestic Policy
Turin: During the demonstration in Turin against the eviction of Askatasuna, serious disturbances occurred, with clashes between groups of protesters and law enforcement. According to initial estimates, 11 officers were injured. A video shows a lone policeman being violently attacked. Demonstrators threw firecrackers, fireworks, and smoke bombs, set fire to trash bins, and torched an armoured vehicle. Law enforcement responded with tear gas and water cannons. The government strongly condemned the violence: Meloni, Tajani, Piantedosi, and Crosetto described the incidents as organized violence and “urban guerrilla warfare,” expressing solidarity with police and journalists who were attacked.
Justice: On the occasion of the judicial year’s opening, a heated confrontation emerged between magistrates and politicians regarding the Nordio-Meloni reform. Judges criticized the law as punitive and humiliating, asserting they are defending the judiciary’s independence. Minister Nordio and Undersecretary Mantovano rejected the accusations, calling them fake news and reaffirming that the independence of public prosecutors remains intact, while also opening the door to discussions on implementation. From Milan to Rome, and as far as Bari and L’Aquila, sharp confrontations, institutional tensions, and protest gestures were recorded.
Foreign Policy
Interview with Antonio Tajani: An interview with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, published in Corriere della Sera, outlines Italy’s role in major global and European challenges. Tajani announced: “On Wednesday, I will participate in Washington at the meeting organized by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on raw materials,” emphasizing that “transatlantic relations are fundamental” and that, regarding raw materials, “it is preferable for Europe to reach an agreement with Washington, Japan, and South Korea.” On security, Tajani stated that “the more Europe can guarantee its own security, the fewer risks there are,” and confirmed the intention to include Kyiv in the European Union, while clarifying that “the Balkans come first.”
Iran: Tensions between Iran and the United States remain high amid military threats, manoeuvres, and fears of escalation. The Iranian army commander declared that troops are “on maximum alert,” while national security chief Ali Larijani spoke of progress in negotiations with Washington—a claim confirmed by Donald Trump. Meanwhile, a series of explosions in various Iranian cities raised fears of an imminent attack, later denied by authorities, who attributed the incidents to gas leaks and unexploded ordnance. The United States and Israel have denied any involvement in the explosions.
Economy and Finance
Confindustria: Emanuele Orsini, president of Confindustria, speaking at the Milan eyewear fair, reiterated the urgency of addressing high energy costs—a central issue for business competitiveness—and expressed hope for a specific decree on utility bills by February. Orsini welcomed the positive ratings assigned to Italy by credit agencies, viewing them as recognition of the country’s productive strength, and underscored the importance of free trade agreements signed by the European Union. The 2025 Confcommercio Energy Observatory Report also warns of the impact of utility costs on market-oriented service sector businesses.
SpaceX: Elon Musk is working on a potential merger between SpaceX and xAI to create an integrated ecosystem combining rockets, Starlink satellites, the X platform, and the Grok chatbot. This move would strengthen the race for artificial intelligence and the project to build orbital data centres, which Musk considers the most cost-effective way to develop AI. This also aligns with Tesla’s transformation, increasingly shifting focus away from automobiles and toward AI, robotics, and energy, thereby outlining a unified technological ecosystem.