Domestic Policy
Meloni in Parliament: During the briefing to the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate ahead of the European Council, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated the government’s continuity in supporting Ukraine, ruling out the deployment of Italian soldiers but confirming the need to maintain pressure on Moscow. Meloni highlighted the difficulty of achieving a peace negotiation due to what she sees as Russia’s lack of genuine willingness, and emphasized the importance of the EU-US alliance, strengthening Ukraine’s position, and safeguarding European interests. The discussion also covered security, the fight against antisemitism and terrorism, with references to the Sydney attack and the case of the imam in Turin.
Salvini: The Supreme Court has made final the acquittal of Matteo Salvini in the Open Arms case, rejecting the appeal filed by the Palermo Prosecutor’s Office against the first-instance ruling. The former Interior Minister had been charged with kidnapping and refusal of official duties related to the handling of migrant landings. Following the verdict, Salvini commented on social media, asserting the legitimacy of his political actions, while Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the trial.
Foreign Policy
Ukraine Conflict: In a speech at the Ministry of Defence, Vladimir Putin harshly criticized European countries, using derogatory language and accusing them of aligning with the United States in an attempt to weaken Russia. While formally expressing openness to dialogue, the Russian president ruled out negotiations with current European leadership and reaffirmed Russia’s military objectives in Ukraine.
EU Council: European leaders are meeting today in a crucial summit focused on financial support for Ukraine, amid growing international tensions. Central to the debate is the proposal to use frozen Russian assets, alongside calls from some countries to consider alternative solutions such as joint debt. These proposals have raised economic and legal concerns, particularly in countries holding the largest share of Russian reserves, while political divisions remain over the method of financing. “In this world, we Europeans must defend ourselves and rely on ourselves,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Economy and Finance
Budget Measures: The issue of pensions is causing debate within the governing coalition, with the League criticizing the government’s amendment on early retirement and university degree buybacks. The League is calling for the measure to be replaced with a safeguard clause to protect public finances, prompting the Ministry of Economy to consider corrective adjustments. Attention is particularly focused on the impact on already completed buybacks, which Giorgia Meloni has stated will be excluded: the amendment, she clarified, “will be corrected and will apply only to the future.” Other changes have also emerged in committee, including the withdrawal of the proposal on cash payment taxes and the approval of the rule allowing tax inspections to be conducted by trainee specialists.
Condominium Reform: A reform of condominium regulations is on the way, thirteen years after the current rules came into force, with the aim of aligning them with current practices and case law. The bill introduces exclusively traceable payments, new tools for recovering debts, and allows suppliers to claim against even compliant condominium owners, with the right of recourse against defaulters. It also provides for the tax deductibility of ordinary condominium expenses and longer timeframes for initiating legal action against non-payers. Finally, professional requirements for administrators are strengthened, with mandatory degrees, continuous training, and the introduction of the role of condominium auditor.