Domestic Policy
Education: The Valditara Bill, which introduces parental consent for sex and affective education and prohibits its teaching in kindergarten and primary schools, has sparked heated debate in the Chamber of Deputies. The opposition criticised the minister’s tone and the risk of limiting school autonomy, while Valditara clarified that the measure does not undermine efforts to combat gender-based violence. Examination of the bill will continue in December. Meanwhile, the government and opposition have reached an agreement to update the crime of sexual violence and introduce femicide into the Penal Code.
ANCI Assembly: At the ANCI Assembly, President Sergio Mattarella responded to the alarm raised by Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi regarding the housing emergency, urging institutions and the government to commit jointly to guaranteeing the right to housing and supporting families, young people, and workers. The Head of State also drew attention to new forms of poverty and growing social distress, which threaten national cohesion. He expressed concern over declining voter turnout, reaffirming that representativeness cannot be replaced by technical solutions. This, he stressed, is a message urging politics to focus on citizens’ concrete problems.
Foreign Policy
Epstein Case: Newly released 2011 emails between Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, published by Democratic lawmakers, mention Donald Trump, reigniting attention on the financier who died in prison in 2019. In the messages, Epstein claims that the then-future president was aware of his activities and contacts with the girls involved. The White House downplayed the revelations, asserting that no new or incriminating elements emerge. The opposition now demands the full release of federal documents related to the Epstein investigation, a promise made by Trump but not yet fulfilled.
Ukraine: The situation in Ukraine remains critical, with Russian advances in the Pokrovsk area and a new corruption scandal prompting the forced resignations of the Energy and Justice ministers. President Zelensky described the affair as a matter of trust, reiterating the need for transparent action to avoid jeopardising the country’s European path. Meanwhile, military fighting continues, with Kyiv denying the loss of Pokrovsk and announcing tactical withdrawals in some areas to protect troops.
Economy and Finance
Industrial Production: In September, Italy’s industrial production rose 2.8% compared to August and 1.5% year-on-year, marking the best performance since January 2023. The increase, driven by food, electronics, and pharmaceuticals, this time involved a broader range of sectors, including machinery and metallurgy, despite persistent difficulties in textiles and automotive. Analysts believe industry may have passed its most critical phase, but the balance for the first nine months remains slightly negative. Prospects for 2025 remain cautious, with near-stagnant growth and weak foreign demand.
Ex-Ilva: Following the unsuccessful summit on ex-Ilva, metalworkers’ unions are calling for direct intervention by Prime Minister Meloni, criticising the government’s new plan, which includes increased unemployment benefits. The unions denounce the absence of a genuine industrial project and fear further closures, while the government insists its aim is to ensure production continuity and accelerate decarbonisation. A new meeting is scheduled for 18 November to discuss employment prospects.