Domestic Policy
Justice: An agreement between the Committee of 15 for the No and the government on the voting date is expected today. The referendum campaign on the Nordio reform shows the No camp gaining ground but still trailing, according to a Swg poll. Controversy also surrounds the presence of judges aligned with the No in the referendum committee. Tensions have been further inflamed by a Facebook post from a judge containing offensive remarks toward Giovanni Donzelli, a deputy from Fratelli d’Italia. The Superior Council of the Judiciary has requested the opening of a procedure to protect the Court of Cassation following the attacks it has endured.
Clashes and Sabotage: Askatasuna is reigniting mobilisation against the government, wars, and “suppression of dissent” following the clashes in Turin on 31 January. New demonstrations are announced in Livorno and Rome, and the Interior Ministry is monitoring the marches as a test for the security package. Interior Minister Piantedosi speaks of a genuine subversive convergence, while anarchist groups claim responsibility online for railway sabotage under the slogan “Fire to the Olympics.” Infrastructure Minister Salvini promises a hardline approach, and security remains a battleground for political conflict.
Foreign Policy
Ukraine Decree: The government will today request a vote of confidence on the Ukraine decree, while amendments proposed by the Five Star Movement, Green and Left Alliance, and deputies from Future National, linked to Roberto Vannacci, represent a source of concern for the majority. Deputies from the mixed group, including former members of Lega and Fratelli d’Italia, have requested the removal of Article 1 from the decree. The Five Star Movement and Green and Left Alliance also demand prior notifications regarding military missions, highlighting the lack of consensus within the majority and the government’s reliance on confidence votes to maintain stability.
Hong Kong: Hong Kong’s High Court has sentenced Jimmy Lai, publisher of Apple Daily and symbol of the pro-democracy movement, to 20 years in prison for conspiring with foreign powers and sedition under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Already detained for nearly 2,000 days and in serious health condition, Lai risks dying in prison. Six other newspaper executives were also convicted. The White House has called the verdict unjust and requested clemency, but Beijing remains inflexible.
Economy and Finance
Glovo: Foodinho (Glovo group) has been placed under judicial supervision for labour exploitation, as ordered by the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office. According to the investigation, thousands of riders—approximately 40,000 in Italy—are paid wages well below the poverty line and beneath collective bargaining agreements, with reductions of up to 77%. Workers, connected to the app for 8–12 hours daily, are also subject to performance metrics affecting their pay. The company’s administrator and the company itself are under investigation for exploitation and administrative liability.
Mps: The Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating Stefano Di Stefano, an official at the Ministry of Economy and a board member of Monte dei Paschi di Siena, for insider trading, allegedly purchasing shares in Mps and Mediobanca before the public exchange offer on Piazzetta Cuccia, using confidential information. This investigation is separate from the probe into the takeover and the alleged “secret pact” between Delfin, Caltagirone, and Lovaglio. The investigation stems from reports to the Financial Information Unit (UIF) and Consob. The probe intertwines with tensions surrounding the bank’s industrial plan and governance.