Domestic Policy
Regional Elections: The first day of regional elections in Campania, Puglia, and Veneto confirms declining voter turnout, signaling growing disaffection toward politics. By 7 p.m. yesterday, 26.45% of eligible voters had cast ballots—approximately three percentage points lower than the previous election (29.75%). Veneto recorded the highest participation (29.32%), followed by Campania (25.87%) and Puglia (23.77%), all showing marked declines compared to past elections. By noon yesterday, turnout had already dipped to 8.95%. Polling stations will remain open today from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Interior Ministry: An interview with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, published in Corriere della Sera, confirms that the Interior Ministry will not pay Bologna €100,000 in damages, as previously speculated. Piantedosi stated, “Damages should be claimed from those who cause them,” and regarding the basketball match between Virtus and Maccabi, “The Interior Ministry and the men and women in uniform who ensured public order should not receive a bill for damages but gratitude for their professionalism and restraint.” Piantedosi reiterated that “the authority of the Quirinal Palace has never been questioned by anyone.” Regarding the Shalabayeva case, he affirmed, “I always respect judicial rulings, but I am dismayed and concerned,” concluding that “in Italy, it is becoming increasingly difficult to represent the State without risking prosecution.”
Foreign Policy
Ukraine: As of yesterday, an official European proposal for peace in Ukraine exists, based on 28 amendments to the text drafted by the U.S. administration, incorporating modifications requested by Kyiv and European partners. Progress emerged at the Geneva summit, while Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who held a phone conversation with Trump, reiterated the usefulness of building upon the U.S. text rather than creating an alternative. The Prime Minister insists on Ukraine’s territorial and military integrity and reconstruction, views positively steps toward security guarantees, and urges Moscow to provide concrete signals, advocating for a united Western front.
Israel: Israel has again struck Lebanon, killing Haytham Ali Tabatabai, Hezbollah’s second-in-command and a central figure in its rearmament, in a bombing raid. Netanyahu claimed responsibility for the operation and accused Beirut of failing to disarm the Shiite group. The attack, not pre-notified to the United States, resulted in five deaths and dozens of injuries. Lebanese President Aoun condemned the aggression and violation of international resolutions. Israeli intelligence now fears a potential Hezbollah retaliation, possibly extending beyond Israel and Lebanon.
Economy and Finance
Telecoms: Amendments requested by the telecom sector are not included among the “flagged” items in the budget bill, but discussions remain open. Assotelecomunicazioni primarily seeks renewal of expiring frequency licenses in 2029, proposing to offset license fees with equivalent network investments. The Ministry of Enterprises and Undersecretary Butti have not ruled out this possibility. Annual revenue from licenses is approximately €500 million, but the sector argues this could be recouped through growth generated by investments, which are currently down 26%. Telecom companies warn of squeezed margins and potential layoffs.
Local Authorities: The Budget Law introduces the possibility for municipalities and regions to implement a “local debt write-off” for tax credits, limited to taxes under their jurisdiction such as IMU, TARI, tourist tax, and fines. This measure is not automatic: each local authority must decide whether to adopt it, specifying applicable taxes, procedures, and deadlines. The aim is to reduce litigation and recover part of the €42 billion in unpaid local taxes, but concerns remain regarding reduced revenues, incentives for tax evasion, and regional disparities.