Domestic Policy
Public Order: Clashes in Milan during protests by social centres against the “harmful effects of the Olympics” and railway sabotage coinciding with the Games have intensified political tensions. Giorgia Meloni has spoken of “enemies of Italy and Italians,” while the opposition accuses the government of failing on security. The majority demands unambiguous condemnations; the PD and M5S respond by criticising the political instrumentalisation of the issue. The judiciary is investigating the alleged anarchist sabotage for terrorism, while the government promises a tough stance and compensation.
Interview with the Interior Minister: In an interview published in Corriere della Sera, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi addresses the issue of violence during demonstrations and sabotage, stating that “Clearly, there are those aiming for widespread chaos” and warning that the antagonistic movement “openly declares its subversive objective.” He highlights the presence of “micro-attacks on transport infrastructure” and reiterates that “Isolating and neutralising professional violent actors should be a shared goal.” He defends the new regulations, explaining that “Such a complex phenomenon… must be tackled with all available tools” and assures: “No one criminalises the squares.” On the naval blockade, he concludes that “the right to asylum will always be guaranteed to those who are entitled to it.”
Foreign Policy
Japan: The Liberal Democratic Party of Sanae Takaichi, the first woman to lead a government in Japan, has won the lower house election of the Diet, strengthening her leadership. A conservative and admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi is a hawk on defence, economic security, and immigration. She has inherited a party in crisis, with voters disillusioned by inflation and scandals. She has threatened military intervention against China over Taiwan and supports the need to strengthen defence cooperation with Taipei. Former Minister of Economic Security, she is also known for her musical background and friendly relations with Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni, maintaining conservative positions, particularly on gender rights. She advocates Abenomics-style economic policies.
Iran: Repression of dissent continues in Iran following the January protests. Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi has been sentenced to further penalties for “gathering and colluding against national security” and “propaganda against the state,” bringing her total sentence to over 44 years, with a risk of more than 17 years in actual imprisonment, exile, and flogging. In poor health, she is detained in Mashhad. Meanwhile, over 40,000 arrests and purges have targeted reformists, many of whom are close to President Pezeshkian: several leaders have been detained on charges of subversive activities.
Portugal: António José Seguro is the new President of Portugal, winning with over two-thirds of the vote, defeating the far-right Chega leader André Ventura in the runoff. A former Socialist Party secretary, he won as a moderate and stabilising figure, securing cross-party support to halt the far right. Ventura, however, consolidates Chega’s influence. In a fragile political landscape, Seguro will play a key mediating role, with veto powers and the authority to dissolve parliament.
Economy and Finance
Unicredit: Unicredit presents the results of the 2025 financial year, with expected profits of €10.5 billion and nearly €12 billion projected by 2028, updating the Unlocked plan. Among the challenges is the situation regarding Commerzbank, of which it holds 26%, and expansion in Greece through its 29.8% stake in Alpha Bank. Growth is also seen in Poland and in fintech through Vodeno and Aion Bank. In Italy, following the halt of the Ops deal on Banco Bpm, Orcel prioritises organic development. The alliance with Amundi is expected to close by 2027.