Domestic Politics
Justice: Forza Italia regroups ahead of the referendum on judicial reform, scheduled for 22 and 23 March. At an event at the Ergife in Rome, attended by over two thousand people, Antonio Tajani launched a mobilisation in support of the separation of judicial careers, identified as the first step in the Berlusconi project, alongside civil liability for magistrates and reform of the judicial police. The initiative is marked by strongly symbolic and identity-driven tones, invoking the memory of Silvio Berlusconi and focusing on stories of judicial errors. The political clash with the No camp and the National Association of Magistrates is becoming increasingly heated.
League: From the rally in Rivisondoli, the League renews a message of unity and cohesion around the leadership of Matteo Salvini. Ministers, parliamentarians and activists reaffirm that the party is “one and indivisible”, putting aside internal tensions and downplaying speculation about a split linked to the Vannacci faction. Central to the debate are the League’s identity issues: security, autonomy, justice, Western values and youth. The event marks a climate of renewed enthusiasm and strengthens ties with local communities, from the North to the South, confirming the League’s determination to remain a key player in the governing majority.
Foreign Policy
United States: Tensions rise in Minneapolis following the killing of a 37-year-old American citizen by agents of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) during a raid targeting irregular migrants. This is the second fatality in the city within a month. Authorities cite self-defence, but a video of the operation fuels controversy. Anger has intensified over the arrest of minor children of immigrants. Protests against Ice have escalated, with clashes and political accusations that risk spreading to other cities.
NATO: Donald Trump’s comments on the alleged lack of commitment by NATO allies in Afghanistan have caused embarrassment and irritation at Palazzo Chigi, without undermining the Rome-Washington alliance. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responds firmly, recalling the activation of Article 5 after 9/11 and Italy’s contribution to the mission, which cost 53 lives and over 700 wounded. While defending Italy’s role, Meloni reaffirms the importance of the relationship with the United States based on friendship and mutual respect. Minister Crosetto also rejects the accusations and announces a formal response to US and NATO authorities.
Economy and Finance
Generali: In the crucial days for the new governance of Monte dei Paschi and the possibility of a merger with Mediobanca, rumours emerge of a potential dialogue between the Caltagirone group and Intesa Sanpaolo regarding the sale of the stake held in Generali. However, both parties have denied these reports. A departure of Caltagirone from the capital of the Lion would be a significant move, but appears inconsistent with the entrepreneur’s strategy and with Intesa’s financial constraints, which have ruled out new acquisitions and lack sufficient excess capital for a transaction of this scale.
Taxation: Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti revives the idea of extending the tax debt settlement scheme to municipalities, beyond what is already provided in the quinquies version of the budget. Speaking at the League event in Roccaraso, the minister stressed that the spirit of the measure could also apply to local authorities, with the aim of clearing the vast stock of tax credits accumulated over decades. According to Giorgetti, a negotiated solution with taxpayers could open a new phase in fiscal relations, in line with the approach advocated by the League.