Domestic Policy
CGIL: Around 200,000 people gathered in Piazza San Giovanni in Rome for a demonstration organised by the CGIL union against the Meloni government’s budget law. Secretary Maurizio Landini accused the executive of “extorting billions from workers and pensioners” and pointed out that “public investment is listed as zero”, while spending on weapons continues to rise. He called for a “change of course” and did not rule out a general strike. Defending his union from criticism, he stated that “those who demonise the streets are afraid of democracy”, and urged companies to combat undeclared work and renew collective agreements.
Justice: In an interview with Il Giornale, Foreign Minister and Forza Italia leader Antonio Tajani commented on Marina Berlusconi’s letter following the Court of Cassation ruling, which dismissed the existence of evidence linking her father to the mafia. “It was a great emotion,” said Tajani, recalling “forty years of battles on the issue of justice”. For the deputy prime minister, the ruling proves that Berlusconi has paid “a very high price for absurd and implausible accusations”. On judicial reform, Tajani claimed “a major political victory for Forza Italia” with the separation of judicial careers, and promised further reforms in civil justice.
Foreign Policy
USA: Donald Trump returns to Asia on a diplomatic mission focused on relations with China and regional security. The US president will meet Xi Jinping in South Korea to discuss Ukraine, tariffs, trade and Taiwan, hoping that “Xi can help us with Russia”. Washington is demanding the resumption of soybean purchases and fewer technological restrictions, while Beijing wants the cancellation of new tariffs. During the tour, Trump will also attend the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, meet Brazilian President Lula and leaders of Japan and South Korea, while not ruling out a new meeting with Kim Jong-un, perhaps more symbolic than substantive.
Ireland: In Ireland, left-wing independent candidate Catherine Connolly has secured a decisive victory in the presidential elections. Her opponent, Heather Humphreys, backed by the centre-right government, acknowledged defeat in the afternoon when, with two-thirds of the votes counted, Connolly was leading at 64%. “Catherine will be a president for all of us and also my president,” Humphreys said, wishing her success. Although the Irish presidency is largely symbolic, the result marks a significant political blow to the executive, while strengthening opposition forces and Sinn Féin.
Economy and Finance
Budget Law: After the approval of the budget package, attention has shifted from opposition and union criticism to internal debates within the governing coalition. In the League, tensions have emerged between Matteo Salvini and Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti over cuts to the Ministry of Infrastructure and the strict stance on pensions, while the party defends the extraordinary contribution on bank windfall profits, calling for its reinforcement. Forza Italia and Noi Moderati, meanwhile, are calling for caution, especially regarding smaller banks, and oppose increased taxation on short-term rentals. Brothers of Italy speaks of “normal debate”, but disagreements over taxation and housing remain unresolved.
France: The governor of the Banque de France, François Villeroy de Galhau, warned that France risks a “gradual strangulation” of public finances due to rising interest rates on debt and political instability. Following Moody’s Aa3 rating with a negative outlook, all agencies estimate public debt at over 115% of GDP and the deficit at 5.4% in 2025. Prime Minister Lecornu aims to reduce it to 4.7% by 2026 with a 30-billion-euro package, while the left calls for greater “fiscal justice”. Villeroy urged balance and warned that a higher cost of debt for the state means more expensive loans for households and businesses.