Domestic Policy
Minister for Enterprises: In an interview with La Stampa, Minister for Enterprises Adolfo Urso downplayed tensions within the majority over the budget: “Everything was resolved at last night’s summit,” he stressed, adding that “in other countries, there is much more arguing.” Urso highlighted the government’s achievements, described by the International Monetary Fund as an “anchor of stability,” and claimed that “under Giorgia Meloni’s leadership, we have succeeded” in combining fiscal discipline with growth. Urso confirmed the strengthening of Transition 5.0 and the unified ZES, citing results exceeding expectations. In Europe, he claimed a breakthrough on the Green Deal: “We’ve opened a breach, but now we must dismantle the wall of ideology.”
Turin: A demonstration in Turin against the eviction of the social centre Askatasuna escalated into violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Over 5,000 people participated in the initially peaceful march, which was later blocked by police just a few hundred metres from the evicted building. This was followed by object-throwing,焚烧垃圾桶, tear gas, and water cannons. Eleven officers were injured, and dozens of demonstrators sustained bruises. Activists and supporters have reignited mobilisation with new initiatives, while the long-standing dialogue process with the city council has collapsed.
Foreign Policy
Ukraine: Following tensions after the summit, the European Union reaffirmed its support for Ukraine, highlighting the agreement on a €90 billion loan that will also impact international negotiations. Starting in April, Kyiv will be able to rely on European resources for defence. The EU is demanding robust security guarantees, ranging from military presence on the ground to the accession path to the Union, without excluding NATO. Brussels considers Ukrainian security an integral part of European security and is preparing new sanctions against Russia, alongside accelerating rearmament programmes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that Washington has proposed a meeting between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia in Miami, from which Europe would be excluded.
Syria: One week after the killing of three American citizens in Palmyra, Donald Trump ordered an intense offensive against ISIS in Syria. Over 70 ISIS targets were struck across multiple areas during Operation “Hawk’s Eye,” involving airstrikes but no ground operations. Trump warned that any attack against the US will be punished more severely than ever. According to the Syrian Observatory, at least five ISIS members were killed, including the leader of a cell responsible for drone attacks. The intervention enjoys the support of the Syrian government and falls within the framework of the international anti-ISIS coalition.
Economy and Finance
Budget Law: The Senate Budget Committee approved the government’s comprehensive amendment to the budget, marked by stricter pension rules and clearance following tensions with the opposition. The text will be debated in the Senate chamber on 22 December, with a final vote scheduled for the following day. Key measures include: halting new forms of early pension withdrawals and deeper cuts for early retirees; progressive mandatory transfer of severance pay (TFR) to the INPS fund; automatic enrolment in supplementary pensions for new hires from 2026; refinancing of the Strait of Messina Bridge; tax adjustments concerning insurance premiums, financial transactions, short-term rentals, and incentives for businesses, housing, and Transitions 4.0 and 5.0.
Telecom: The Court of Cassation confirmed the state’s obligation to reimburse Telecom Italia the concession fee levied for 1998, ending a dispute lasting over 20 years. The amount due corresponds to the original fee of €500 million, plus inflation adjustments and accrued interest, totalling approximately €1 billion. The cost is already covered: the budget includes €2.5 billion in the Judgments Fund, earmarked for Telecom as well.