Domestic Policy
Quirinale-Government: Tensions between the Quirinale and Palazzo Chigi have eased following a joint statement by the parliamentary group leaders of Fratelli d’Italia, who reaffirmed their respect for President Mattarella and closed the controversy. The dispute had erupted after remarks attributed to Francesco Saverio Garofani, an advisor to the Quirinale, which Giorgia Meloni deemed inappropriate. The meeting between the Prime Minister and the Head of State did not fully resolve the tensions but initiated a de-escalation.
Politics: The Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved the reform of the criminal code article introducing the concept of “free and current consent” to define sexual violence. The text, resulting from an agreement between Giorgia Meloni and Elly Schlein, also broadens the definition of violence to include abuse of particular vulnerability. The Democratic Party secretary and representatives of Fratelli d’Italia described it as a cultural step forward and a collaboration transcending political divisions. The measure is expected to be definitively approved by the Senate on 25 November. On the same date, approval is also anticipated for the bill on femicide and mandatory judicial training.
Foreign Policy
Ukraine Conflict: A purported peace plan between the United States and Russia, revealed by Axios, envisages significant territorial concessions to Moscow and a downsizing of the Ukrainian army, effectively amounting to Kyiv’s surrender. This move puts Zelensky in a difficult position; in Ankara, he does not meet the expected American envoy, while senior Pentagon officials arrive in Kyiv to assess the situation and potential negotiation margins. Washington appears to be pushing for an agreement, while Moscow reiterates its willingness to negotiate. Despite pressure, Zelensky secures support from Erdogan and signals of backing from Europe, while military tensions in the region escalate.
Epstein Case: The U.S. Department of Justice will release documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation within 30 days, as announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi following an almost unanimous vote in Congress. However, part of the material may be withheld to avoid interfering with investigations initiated by President Trump into Democratic figures linked to the financier.
Economy and Finance
Budget: The governing majority is preparing for the decisive summit on the 2026 budget while the Chamber continues selecting amendments. Fratelli d’Italia proposes interventions on gold reserves, tax amnesties, and fiscal measures, while the League focuses on a broad healthcare package and extraordinary taxation for banks and insurers. Forza Italia and Noi Moderati put forward proposals supporting families, housing, and law enforcement. The opposition presents diverse amendments, ranging from the Five Star Movement’s “Care Income,” the Democratic Party’s digital tax, to fiscal measures by Azione and Green-Left Alliance.
Ex-Ilva: Protests by former Ilva workers have intensified, with demonstrations, strikes, and occupations in Genoa, Novi Ligure, and Taranto. Unions, deeming the government’s plan insufficient and lacking a genuine industrial perspective, are now demanding direct intervention by Prime Minister Meloni. Reassurances regarding wage supplements and training programs have not alleviated discontent, as they are seen as distant from the core issue of the crisis. According to metalworkers’ unions, without immediate action, plants risk closure from 1 March.