Domestic Politics
Civici d’Italia: A meeting between civic leaders and administrators was held in Rome, promoted by Alessandro Onorato, councillor in the Gualtieri administration, and politically coordinated by Goffredo Bettini. The aim is to establish a moderate network, “Civici d’Italia”, to support the centre-left alliance. Mayors such as Silvia Salis of Genoa and Gaetano Manfredi of Naples were present. Civici d’Italia positions itself as a pragmatic alternative to Elly Schlein’s line, which is seen as too far to the left. On Friday in Milan, reformist members of the PD, including Guerini and Gori, will meet to revive their vision centred on growth and business, in an attempt to redefine the role of the PD and its future leader.
Lega: The League returns to meet in Milan, at its historic headquarters in via Bellerio, symbolically returning to its northern roots after years of meetings in Rome. The federal council takes place the day after the electoral defeat in Tuscany, but without internal accountability: Matteo Salvini aims to reconsolidate the party ahead of regional elections in Campania, Puglia, and Veneto. Luca Zaia will attend, despite some tensions, while Roberto Vannacci is unlikely to be held responsible for the Tuscan failure. Salvini calls for unity, claiming the candidacy of Alberto Stefani in Veneto as a political achievement.
Foreign Policy
Ukraine: Preparations are underway for a summit in Budapest between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, with no details yet on European or Ukrainian participation. Washington and Moscow are discussing possible steps to implement the October agreements, while Trump warns Zelensky that, without an agreement with Putin, Ukraine risks destruction. Europe, embarrassed, reaffirms its support for Kyiv and prepares new measures against Russia, including a complete ban on the import of Russian gas and oil by 2028. Zelensky, while wary of Hungary, expresses willingness to engage in dialogue and considers a ceasefire along the current front line.
Israel: The Trump administration is pushing for a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas “at all costs”, even at the risk of straining relations with Jerusalem. Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are leading negotiations, advocating for cooperation and shared economic development between Israelis and Palestinians. Trump alternates threats and overtures towards Hamas, while the fragile ceasefire in Gaza continues. Netanyahu defends a hardline stance, Lapid calls for “zero tolerance” for violations, and Hamas accuses Israel of abuses. Humanitarian aid continues meanwhile.
Economy and Finance
Budget Law: At last Friday’s Council of Ministers, detailed technical discussions on the fiscal manoeuvre were avoided, and key points are now under discussion. First, there is the increase of the flat tax on short-term rentals from 21% to 26%, which has drawn criticism from Forza Italia and the League, who are demanding changes to protect small landlords and promote long-term rentals. The issue of banks remains open, with possible changes to fiscal measures pending the ECB’s opinion. Unions are alarmed over pensions, with a one-month increase in retirement age and the failure to renew Quota 103 and Opzione donna.
Stellantis: Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa met with unions in Turin to call for joint action against EU rules banning the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles from 2035, warning of risks to the entire European automotive sector. He announced 400 new hires at Mirafiori for the production of the hybrid Fiat 500 and confirmed the “Piano Italia”, which also includes the new Jeep Compass in Melfi. Filosa criticises the rigidity of European regulations and calls for incentives to renew the car fleet. Unions welcomed the new jobs and reiterated the need for a shift in European environmental policies.