Domestic Policy
Security: Following the killing of a student in La Spezia, Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara has revived the proposal to install metal detectors in schools, to be used only in critical situations and in coordination with prefects and school communities. The proposal has divided the education sector: school principals express cautious openness but demand clarity on costs and procedures for checks, while teachers and unions voice strong skepticism, fearing the militarization of schools. Meanwhile, the security issue fuels political debate, with the League calling for tougher measures and the government working on a new security package.
Data Protection Authority: Following the resignation of Guido Scorza, the board of the Data Protection Authority has decided to continue performing its functions, despite ongoing investigations into embezzlement and corruption involving some of its members. The decision has intensified political conflict: the centre-left demands the complete replacement of the board, while the government supports the remaining members and rejects their resignations. The controversy extends to the media, with accusations of instrumentalization and verbal aggression, and investigations are underway into the Authority’s internal management, including suspicious reimbursements and meetings. The issue calls into question the credibility of the Authority, fueling demands for reforms and changes in appointments.
Foreign Policy
Greenland: The European Union is assessing how to respond to new tariffs announced by Donald Trump, linked to the NATO “Arctic Endurance” mission in Greenland. Emmanuel Macron is pushing for activation of the Anti-Coercion Instrument, while EU countries seek a common position amid internal divisions and potential retaliatory tariffs against the US. Underlying this is the strategic competition over the Arctic, which Washington considers crucial for containing Russia and China. Tensions also involve US domestic politics, with bipartisan criticism and calls for diplomacy.
Israel: Donald Trump has launched the “Board of Peace,” a paid peace council aiming to replace the UN with a model based on billion-dollar contributions and direct leader-to-leader relations. Access is by invitation and under the control of the president-founder, who can approve or expel members. Already supported by Orbán and Milei and open to Italy, the initiative seeks to manage global crises by focusing on stability and strategic interests. Its first test will be the Middle East, where the new body is generating significant tensions—particularly with Israel—over the anticipated role of countries such as Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt in the future governance of Gaza.
Economy and Finance
Davos: The new Oxfam report, presented at the opening of the World Economic Forum in Davos, denounces an unprecedented rise in global inequality. Over 3,000 billionaires hold $18.3 trillion, while the world’s twelve richest individuals possess more wealth than the poorest half of the global population. This concentration of wealth is primarily driven by US tech giants, including figures such as Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg. According to Oxfam, extreme capital accumulation strengthens the political power of elites and weakens democracy. The organization proposes progressive taxation of the super-rich, combating tax havens, and increasing public service investments to reduce imbalances.
Banks: The second phase of the banking “Risk” game is intensifying, shifting from industrial operations to governance battles. On 20 January, Banco BPM will begin renewing its board of directors, with Crédit Agricole strengthened as the largest shareholder but without direct control. On 22 January, it will be Monte dei Paschi di Siena’s turn, where the confirmation of CEO Luigi Lovaglio hangs in the balance following the nominations committee’s negative opinion. The two cases are intertwined, partly due to Banco BPM’s stake in Monte, while Unicredit, Generali, and broader systemic equilibria remain in the background. The decisive phase of banking consolidation will hinge on alliances, personnel, and power dynamics.