Domestic Policy
Severe Weather Emergency: Niscemi is facing a serious emergency following a large landslide that has forced the evacuation of over 1,500 people. During a visit to the municipality in the Nisseno area, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni assured a swift state intervention: “What happened in 1997 will not be repeated; the government will act promptly.” After surveying the affected areas and meeting with local authorities, Meloni reiterated the need to “work quickly and provide rapid responses,” calling for institutional cooperation “without polemics.” The government has declared a state of emergency for Sicily, Sardinia, and Calabria, allocating €100 million, while prioritising assistance to displaced persons and securing the territory.
Justice Referendum: The Lazio Regional Administrative Court (Tar) has rejected the appeal against the date of the referendum on the constitutional reform of the justice system, confirming the vote for 22–23 March and deeming the attempt to postpone it “unfounded.” The judges considered legitimate the government’s decision to proceed based on parliamentarians’ request and within the timeframe stipulated by law, without waiting the three months following the reform’s publication. With the Tar’s ruling, the official referendum campaign officially begins, while political debate between the majority and opposition remains heated.
Foreign Policy
US-Iran: Tensions between the United States and Iran are rising again, with Donald Trump warning that “the time to sit down at the table and make a nuclear deal is running out” and threatening that “the next attack will be much worse” than the one in June. The president announced the deployment of a “massive Armada” toward Iran, “larger, led by the great aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln,” ready to act “with speed and force, if necessary.” Tehran says it is ready for dialogue but warns it will respond harshly to any aggression.
Germany: The German Federal Police have raided the headquarters of Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt and a branch in Berlin as part of an investigation into suspected money laundering, conducted by the Frankfurt Public Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation reportedly relates to alleged failures to report transactions linked to companies associated with Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, sanctioned by the EU since 2022, while the bank stated it is fully cooperating with authorities. The news weighed heavily on the bank’s stock and reignited concerns over the group’s anti-money laundering controls, ahead of the presentation of its annual results.
Economy and Finance
PNRR Decree: In the latest draft of the decree law on PNRR and simplifications, a provision reopens debate on the so-called “entrepreneur rescue” measure, excluding payment of back wages even if salaries are deemed non-compliant with Article 36 of the Constitution, provided they are set by a collective agreement. The measure has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and trade unions, who consider it detrimental to workers, while doubts are also emerging within the governing majority.
Monetary Policy: The Federal Reserve, led by Jerome Powell, has decided to pause interest rate cuts, keeping its benchmark rate between 3.5% and 3.75%, marking a halt after three consecutive reductions. Powell clarified that “no one expects the next move to be a rate hike,” emphasising that the US economy continues to grow at a sustained pace and the labour market shows signs of stabilisation. The decision, adopted by majority vote, reflects a more cautious approach by the central bank, which now sees inflation and employment in a more balanced position.