Domestic Policy
Head of State: At the annual meeting of Medici con l’Africa Cuamm in Padua, President Sergio Mattarella praised the work of doctors in Africa as an example of cooperation, peace, and solidarity, far removed from selfishness and power dynamics. Received with a standing ovation during his first public appearance following controversies at the Quirinal Palace, the President also commended the Mattei Plan and Italy’s “authoritative presence” at the G20. He recalled Cuamm’s 75 years as a “pioneer” of health cooperation and highlighted its role as a bridge between Europe and Africa. Mattarella concluded by citing Aldo Moro and his call for “hunger and thirst for justice.”
Matteo Salvini: An interview with Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, published in Il Giornale, opens with the politician’s outrage over the case of three children in Chieti removed from their parents, criticizing the use of force against a “decent” family and emphasizing that the children “were well, educated, curious, and happy.” The leader of the League denounced a system that is “arrogant toward the weak and absent toward the cunning,” citing the degradation in Romani camps. Regarding justice, Salvini stated that “reform is fair, urgent, and necessary,” noting that “over 30,000 Italians have been unjustly imprisoned in more than thirty years.” The Deputy Prime Minister concluded by criticizing the left’s silence on the matter and reiterated the need to separate the careers of judges.
Foreign Policy
Ukraine: The United States considers the 28 points of the Trump plan essential as a basis for a shared solution, while acknowledging it is not a final proposal. Giorgia Meloni supports the urgency of coordinated action with European and American allies, emphasizing Italy’s willingness to collaborate toward a just peace. Diplomatic efforts intensify with meetings in Geneva among representatives of the EU, the US, and Ukraine, addressing complex issues such as territory and negotiations. The European and Italian position aims to foster dialogue, while some, like the League, unconditionally support the Trump plan and warn Brussels and Paris against placing potential obstacles to its implementation.
COP30: The climate conference in Belém concluded with a compromise “Global Mutirão Decision,” keeping UN multilateralism alive but failing to achieve the central goal of a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels, hindered by BRICS countries. The text reaffirms existing commitments, such as the 1.5°C limit and support for poorer nations, and introduces limited steps on adaptation and cooperation, but avoids direct references to fossil fuels and deforestation. Despite the absence of the United States, negotiations held firm, but results to address the “fever of the Earth” remain disappointing.
Economy and Finance
Budget Law: The proposal for a new tax on banks has been withdrawn after just a few hours, and Forza Italia confirms the issue is closed. During a summit at Palazzo Chigi, the League had pushed for an additional 0.5% rate on the IRAP tax for large banks, but the measure was shelved, resulting in a potential loss of €250 million. The majority is now evaluating how to secure approximately half a billion euros for adjustments to the budget, while new revenue proposals emerge, including a tax on small extra-EU parcels, an increase in the Tobin tax, and measures on rents and immigrant remittances. The amendment proposed by Senator Biancofiore regarding medical liability has also been blocked by the Ministry of Health.
Metalworkers: The new National Collective Labour Agreement for metalworkers has been approved, providing a total salary increase of €205 for over 1.5 million workers. The agreement was reached between Federmeccanica, Assistal, and trade unions. Increases will be paid in four phases, one of which—worth €27—was already paid in June. The value of flexible benefits rises to €250, and measures are introduced to stabilize contracts and strengthen workplace safety.