Domestic Policy
Council Presidency: In an interview with Fuori dal coro on Rete 4, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni maintained a cautious stance regarding the US and Israel’s attack on Iran, stating she did not have “the necessary elements” to issue a condemnation or offer support. However, she highlighted the risk posed by the Iranian regime and the need to reopen negotiations. She ruled out the possibility that Italy is at war and emphasized that the government is considering measures against rising energy prices, including a temporary excise duty and taxes on companies engaging in speculation. Meanwhile, opposition parties criticized certain remarks by Donald Trump, who described Giorgia Meloni as “a great leader”.
International Women’s Day: On 8 March, Italian women took to the streets in over 60 cities, criticizing the government for its lack of attention to women’s rights. Highlighting conditions of inequality in the workplace and society, activists stressed that equality remains a distant goal. Laura Mattarella, daughter of the Head of State, also spoke; in an interview with Tg3, she recalled that equality is still far off and that many women still pay a price for motherhood in their careers.
Foreign Policy
Iran: Iran’s Assembly of Experts announced it had reached a “decisive and unanimous” agreement on the new Supreme Leader, successor to Ali Khamenei. Within the establishment, factions supporting Mojtaba Khamenei clashed with others backing Sadeq Larijani. The delay in the announcement reflects political tensions and security concerns regarding the successor. The new leader is Mojtaba Khamenei, openly defying Washington’s claim to influence the appointment: Tehran rejects any external interference.
Germany: In the first event of Germany’s “Superwahljahr” (super-election year), Baden-Württemberg did not see the expected overtaking of the Christian Democratic Union by the Greens, who retained the state thanks to local pragmatism far removed from Berlin’s tensions. However, “Alternative für Deutschland” is gaining ground, supported mainly by young men affected by the automotive crisis. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has collapsed, unable to propose clear lines on the economy and reforms. The vote signals distrust in national politics and serves as a warning to Chancellor Merz.
Economy and Finance
Energy: Oil prices have surpassed $100 per barrel as the war in the Persian Gulf paralyzes the Strait of Hormuz, blocking 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas traffic. Financial markets reacted with sharp declines as a special meeting of the G7 Finance Ministers was prepared. Supplies from producing countries on the markets have decreased, and attacks on energy infrastructure have drastically reduced production in the Middle East. Analysts fear prices could surge to $150 per barrel if the conflict continues, with an energy crisis that would particularly affect Asia and Europe.
Interview with Adolfo Urso: In an interview published in La Stampa, Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso outlined the government’s measures against high energy costs. Urso assured that “we have more effective tools to combat speculation,” thanks to price monitoring and intervention by the Guardia di Finanza. The government is also considering a temporary excise duty on fuels and possible tax compensations. “We will intervene in time to reduce, as much as possible, any impacts on households and businesses,” the minister stated. He also defended the Bills Decree, calling it “timely and forward-looking”. In case of abuses, he warned: “We are ready to respond even with compensatory taxation. No truce for those who speculate.”