Domestic Policy
Justice: One month after the vote on the justice referendum, the debate between the “Yes” and “No” camps has intensified and gone public. In Palermo, Minister Carlo Nordio challenged Giuseppe Conte of the Five Star Movement, while other debates pit politicians against legal experts. The opposition aims to mobilise voters, framing the vote as decisive for democracy and against authoritarian drifts. The governing majority, however, rejects this political interpretation, urging citizens to judge the reform on its merits.
Interview with Alessandro Morelli: Yesterday, the closing ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics took place at the Arena di Verona. Alessandro Morelli, Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, spoke to Il Giornale to assess the event. According to Morelli, the Games represented “a globally recognised demonstration of efficiency and organisational capacity (…) It was the first decentralised edition: Milan, Cortina, Livigno, Bormio, Verona, Anterselva, Baselga di Piné, Predazzo. An enormous complexity in terms of Olympic villages, hospitality, and security.” “If, in ten years’ time,” Morelli continued, “we see living infrastructure, de-seasonalised tourism, and new investments, then we will have achieved our goal.”
Foreign Policy
United States: A 21-year-old armed man breached the perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s residence, and was shot dead by Secret Service agents after pointing his rifle at them. Trump was not present. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the motive and circumstances of the incident. The episode has reignited concerns over presidential security and occurs amid a climate of escalating political violence in the United States.
Ukraine: In Kyiv, preparations are underway for a summit marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion, amid ongoing bombardments and with much of the country lacking electricity and heating. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will attend in person. Volodymyr Zelensky will reiterate to foreign leaders Ukraine’s request for more air defences. Fighting continues in the Donbas, while Kyiv claims territorial gains. Diplomatically, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has suggested a possible summit with Vladimir Putin in the coming weeks.
Iran: The United States and Iran are attempting a final diplomatic avenue on the nuclear issue, with a meeting scheduled in Geneva on 26 February. Washington is demanding a credible proposal on Iran’s nuclear programme and is pushing for “zero enrichment,” while leaving room for symbolic enrichment. Tehran says it is ready to dialogue but warns it will respond to any potential attacks. War would be risky for both sides, with potential regional destabilisation. Despite recent crises, Iran retains military capabilities and strategic allies. Meanwhile, Iranian students have resumed protests against the regime.
Economy and Finance
U.S. Tariffs: Brussels is urging the United States to honour its commitments on tariffs: Washington’s interpretation of the 15% cap risks penalising the EU beyond what was agreed. Contacts continue, but trust is fragile, and the European Parliament is considering suspending ratification. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde warns that without clear rules, trade and investment slow down, and tariffs ultimately burden consumers. Antonio Tajani calls for a unified European response and favours a cautious strategy aimed at avoiding a trade war with the United States—a position shared by Germany, while France adopts a harder stance.