Domestic Policy
Justice: A referendum on the justice reform recently passed by the Meloni government will take place between March and April. Following the approval of the constitutional amendment, signature collection campaigns for both the Yes and No sides have begun. The National Association of Magistrates, based at the Court of Cassation, has launched a campaign against the reform, being accused of “inappropriate use” of institutional spaces. Minister Carlo Nordio considers the magistrates’ political involvement “inappropriate,” while Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and Maurizio Gasparri (Forza Italia) support the reform. The centre-left is divided and preparing a No campaign to defend “judicial independence.”
Fascist Chants in Parma: Following fascist chants sung in Parma by members of the Gioventù Nazionale, linked to Fratelli d’Italia, Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the incident without ambiguity. The Gioventù Nazionale headquarters has been placed under trusteeship, but opposition parties accuse Giorgia Meloni of “complicit silence.” Numerous left-wing associations have organised a demonstration to reaffirm that Parma will always be anti-fascist. Alleanza Verdi-Sinistra is calling for a “clear and definitive” condemnation, while Riccardo Magi (+Europa) speaks of a “black thread” linking the government to the legacy of fascism.
Foreign Policy
Venezuela: The crisis between the United States and Venezuela has reached a critical point following the deployment of a powerful US naval force in the Caribbean. Washington justifies the operation as part of the war on drug trafficking, while Caracas interprets it as a direct threat to its vast oil resources. Nicolás Maduro calls for calm and seeks support from Russia and China. The operation, described as a “new opium war,” increasingly appears as a broad geopolitical confrontation with the risk of escalating into open conflict between the two nations.
Ukraine: Intense fighting is ongoing near the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. Russian forces are attempting to capture this strategic stronghold in Donetsk, while the Ukrainian army tries to resist and counterattack to break the siege. Moscow claims Ukrainian troops are surrounded and surrendering, but Kyiv denies this, stating there is no encirclement. Meanwhile, Russia has launched a new submarine designed to carry the Poseidon nuclear underwater drone.
Economy and Finance
Labour: In an interview with La Stampa, Labour Minister Marina Elvira Calderone highlighted that funds from INAIL are available to “reward virtuous companies and extend insurance coverage to students,” and that “there are also resources from the ministry and the National Labour Inspectorate,” confirming that the funds committed under the new safety decree will eventually reach €900 million. Among the new measures, insurance against workplace accidents will be extended to students, and scholarships will be introduced “for the families of victims of workplace accidents.” Virtuous companies will be rewarded with contribution reductions, while the “construction site badge” will be extended to other sectors. Calderone reiterated that “safety is not a cost, but a value.”
Rare Earths: Following a phone call between European Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Chinese Minister Wang Wentao, a meeting took place in Brussels on Friday between officials from both sides. The European Union and China have reached a one-year truce on the export of microchips and rare earths. Beijing has suspended recent restrictions that had threatened European industries, particularly the German automotive sector. The EU welcomed the decision, describing it as “an appropriate and responsible step.” However, Brussels aims to reduce its dependence on Beijing, working on the RESourceEU project, which involves joint purchases, diversification of sources, and new mining operations in Europe or in collaboration with Australia.