Domestic Policy
Justice Referendum: Debate has ignited over the referendum campaign for judicial reform following the Ministry’s request to identify any private funders of the committee “It’s Right to Say No,” promoted by the National Association of Magistrates (ANM). ANM President Cesare Parodi responded that the committee is legally autonomous and that disclosing donors’ names could violate privacy, while magistrates have spoken of undue pressure. Meanwhile, controversy continues over Minister Carlo Nordio’s remarks regarding factions within the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSM), contested by magistrate Di Matteo.
Niscemi: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni returned to Niscemi, struck by a landslide, announcing for Wednesday a decree allocating 150 million euros immediately available to the municipality. The measure provides for the appointment of Civil Protection Chief Fabio Ciciliano as extraordinary commissioner, with emergency powers to accelerate interventions. Meloni emphasized the need to act swiftly but without forcing measures, to avoid delays similar to those following the 1997 disaster.
Foreign Policy
Board of Peace: The Chamber of Deputies is preparing to approve the centre-right resolution allowing Italy to participate as an observer in the Board of Peace promoted by Donald Trump—a choice supported by the majority but contested by opposition parties. The government defends the decision as pragmatic, aimed at safeguarding national interests and ensuring a voice in Gaza’s future and reconstruction.
France: Following the death of right-wing activist Quentin Deranque in Lyon, the French government has blamed leftist circles, although investigations are ongoing and no arrests or official identifications have been made. A parliamentary assistant linked to France Insoumise has also come under scrutiny; he has denied all accusations and suspended himself from duties. The collective La Jeune Garde has denied responsibility, while accounts provided by the far-right group Némésis diverge. France Insoumise leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon denounced the political instrumentalization of the incident.
Economy and Finance
Energy Bill Decree: In discussions over the Energy Decree, following a summit at Palazzo Chigi with Giorgia Meloni and coalition leaders, the government is considering amendments to the article concerning concessions and long-term contracts for renewables, opening dialogue with the Lombardy Region. Businesses and associations have expressed concerns over economic impacts: Confartigianato fears increased overall burdens, while Confcommercio calls for structural reductions in system costs.
FS (Ferrovie dello Stato): FS CEO Donnarumma reported “targeted” sabotage of the railway network coinciding with the Winter Olympics, while the Interior Ministry under Matteo Piantedosi has reinforced security measures using drones and video surveillance. Economically, 2025 is projected as a record year for investments, totaling 18.5 billion euros, with solid financials. The group, engaged in over 1,200 construction sites linked also to the PNRR, forecasts revenues nearing 18 billion euros and net debt slightly above 14 billion euros. Looking abroad, FS aims to operate through the Channel Tunnel between Paris and London by 2028–2029, aided by an agreement with the U.S. fund Certares.