Privacy Authority: The College of the Privacy Authority sees its first defection: Guido Scorza, elected in 2020 as a representative of the Five Star Movement, resigns following corruption and embezzlement investigations by Rome’s prosecutor’s office into the entire College, triggered by reports from the TV programme Report. Scorza, announcing his decision on social media, stresses that he bears no responsibility and criticises the influence of journalistic investigations on the Authority’s functioning.
Education: In an interview with Il Giornale, Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara addresses youth violence following recent incidents in schools, describing the La Spezia murder as “a terrible event.” According to the minister, the rise in youth aggression is a social phenomenon also involving the school system. Valditara, however, notes a decline in attacks on teachers, attributing it to newly introduced regulations. Central to the minister’s view is education in respect: “We must succeed in educating young people to respect people, things, and rules.” From this stems his call for a “cultural revolution” against the culture of “forbidden to forbid” and the distorted use of social media, which he considers a decisive factor in the spread of violence.
Foreign Policy
Greenland: Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Greenland by announcing new tariffs against European countries that have deployed troops to the island, up to a possible transfer of the territory from Denmark. Tariffs would start at 10% and rise to 25% if no agreement is reached. The initiative has provoked a strong European reaction: from Costa to von der Leyen, and from Macron to Starmer, EU leaders and their allies reaffirm their defence of European sovereignty and unity. The move marks a further escalation of commercial and political tensions between Washington and Europe, while the legal legitimacy of presidential tariff powers remains unresolved.
Israel: The Gaza stabilization and reconstruction plan proposed by President Trump involves a complex political-administrative structure. Various Palestinian technocrats and representatives from countries including Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom have been appointed to form the “Peace Council,” an entity aiming to establish legitimate and lasting governance, independent of Israeli policies. However, the committee’s composition has drawn criticism from both Israel and opposing groups such as Islamic Jihad.
Economy and Finance
Mercosur: The European Union and Mercosur have signed a free trade agreement after 26 years of negotiations, creating one of the world’s largest trading blocs with over 700 million consumers. The agreement provides for the gradual elimination of tariffs on over 90% of exports, benefiting sectors such as machinery, chemicals, and high-quality agri-food products—including 57 Italian products protected by geographical indications. The signing, symbolising a strategic and commercial partnership, has sparked protests among European farmers and saw the absence of Brazilian President Lula, who is engaged in electoral campaigning.
Monte dei Paschi: Monte dei Paschi di Siena continues on two fronts: implementing its new industrial plan and finalising the board of directors’ composition, following two days of discussions between management and the board in Rome. At the centre remains the future of Mediobanca, which Monte currently controls at 86%. CEO Luigi Lovaglio confirms the strategy of integrating retail activities under the Sienese bank and spinning off investment and private banking under the Mediobanca brand. However, part of the board would prefer to keep Mediobanca listed. Underlying issues also include Generali, governance rules, and the possible reconfirmation of Lovaglio, supported by the Ministry of Economy and Delfin.