Domestic Politics
Turin: The interview with the Minister for Public Administration, Paolo Zangrillo, published in La Stampa, focuses on the escalation of violence in Turin and the break-in at the newspaper’s offices. The minister described it as “quite incredible” that people would protest in support of an imam who deemed Hamas’s actions on October 7 legitimate, and stated that “anyone who expresses such views has no right to remain in Italy.” Regarding the attack on La Stampa, Zangrillo called it a “very serious act against a symbol of freedom of expression,” denounced a “repetition of aggressive actions,” and added that “what we have done so far is not enough.” The minister particularly criticized the mayor’s stance on managing the social centre Askatasuna, which he described as “a criminal association.”
PD: Elly Schlein, backed by Democratic Party leaders, confirmed her intention to run for prime minister, stressing the party’s importance as the central pillar of the alliance and its strengthening on the ground. During the meeting in Montepulciano with approximately 2,000 participants, she reaffirmed her commitment to preserving internal pluralism and building a winning progressive alliance, while the party’s majority factions pledged to coordinate their efforts. Schlein also called for broadening the coalition, thanking Bonaccini for his contribution to uniting the Democrats.
Foreign Policy
Ukraine: Donald Trump expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, following talks in Florida between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations, described as “productive” by Secretary of State Rubio and Kyiv’s negotiator Umerov. Obstacles remain, particularly concerning corruption and Russia’s central role in negotiations; U.S. envoy Witkoff will travel to Moscow. Zelensky thanked Washington for its support and highlighted constructive dialogue. European contacts are also intense: Macron will host Zelensky in Paris to discuss lasting peace.
Israel: Italian volunteers and a Canadian activist were attacked by Israeli settlers in Ein al-Duyuk, near Jericho in the West Bank. The victims’ conditions are not serious. Israel, accused of expanding illegal settlements, land expropriations, and violence, aims to force Palestinians to abandon their lands. The UN reports over 2,600 hectares confiscated and thousands of new homes built in settlements, while settler violence escalates, threatening regional stability and the peace process. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently on trial for corruption, has requested a presidential pardon from President Isaac Herzog.
Economy and Finance
Budget Law: The government is divided between the need to raise 200 million euros to correct the budget and maintaining good relations with banks. The proposal to increase the IRAP tax from 2% to 2.5% for credit institutions and insurers faces opposition from ABI, while Forza Italia seeks an alternative agreement based on cash flows. The Ministry of Economy and Finance awaits proposals ensuring the same revenue without measures incompatible with EU rules. Meanwhile, the government has reached an agreement regarding gold reserves managed by the Bank of Italy, whose ownership is now attributed to the Italian people rather than the state.
MPS: The MPS takeover bid for Mediobanca, at the centre of an investigation by Milan’s prosecutor’s office, raises questions about the role of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Conflicting statements from investors and institutions regarding the suspicious resignations of five board members—allegedly due to pressure from the ministry—and “coordinated” purchases by Caltagirone and Delfin paint a picture of possible political interference. An SMS allegedly sent by Minister Giorgetti to BlackRock’s CEO further intensifies institutional tensions. The actual influence of the Ministry in the operation remains to be clarified.