Domestic Policy
Security: The Government is preparing a security package described as “draconian,” including urgent measures to combat petty crime and the carrying of bladed weapons, which may be approved via decree-law and brought before the Council of Ministers. Measures include banning the sale of bladed weapons to minors, stricter penalties for traffic offenses, and interventions in suburban areas following the Caivano model. Efforts also aim to strengthen “Safe Roads” and reinforce controls on migrants. The centre-right majority insists on tightening security, while opposition parties criticise the lack of personnel in police forces.
Justice: At the Frentani Congress Centre in Rome, the civic committee’s referendum campaign against the justice reform, promoted by opposition parties, has begun. Pending official confirmation of the vote date (22–23 March), the broad coalition denounces the risk of “full powers,” separation of judicial careers, and weakened oversight of politics, rejecting the Prime Minister’s accusations against the judiciary. Centre-left leaders, alongside associations, trade unions, and the academic community, are calling for widespread mobilisation to defend the Constitution. Meanwhile, signature collection continues for a new referendum question, and legal recourse to the Administrative Court (Tar) is being considered against any potential advance of the referendum date.
Foreign Policy
Iran: The Iranian government continues to suppress protests ongoing across the country for fourteen days. Numerous casualties have been reported, and thousands of people have been arrested. Repression is accompanied by censorship measures and an internet blackout imposed by authorities. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has placed the Revolutionary Guards on high alert and threatened the death penalty, stating: “We will not bow to foreigners.” U.S. President Donald Trump has declared readiness to support Iranian protesters.
United States: Protests against the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant raids have spread nationwide following the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis. Hundreds of demonstrations, organised by civil rights groups, demand the withdrawal of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from cities. However, mayors and governors warn that violent incidents could provide Trump with a pretext for greater militarisation and stricter public order measures. In Minneapolis, arrests are occurring alongside a massive deployment of federal agents. The mobilisation signals a potential shift in public opinion ahead of the midterm elections.
Economy and Finance
Banca Popolare di Milano: The European Central Bank is prepared to grant authorisation, subject to certain restrictions, for Crédit Agricole to increase its stake in Banco BPM beyond 20%. Currently, the threshold for a mandatory public tender offer (OPA) is set at 25% of capital, but according to the reform of the Unified Text on Financial Intermediation currently under discussion in Parliament, this percentage should be raised to 30%. Crédit Agricole will be permitted to retain a maximum of seven directors on Banco BPM’s board. Frankfurt’s guidance aims to prevent de facto acquisition of the Italian bank and to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Eni: Eni has declared its readiness to invest in Venezuela, as stated by CEO Claudio Descalzi following a meeting at the White House with Donald Trump and top U.S. energy company executives. The Italian company holds approximately 4 billion barrels of reserves in Venezuela’s Orinoco Belt and employs 500 staff, predominantly Venezuelan, and has operated in the country since 1980. Eni produces gas exclusively for the domestic market and electricity generation, contributing to over half of the nation’s total production.