Domestic Policy
Security: Superintendent Carmelo Cinturrino has been arrested in Milan in connection with the murder of drug dealer Abderrahim Mansouri, which took place on 26 January in the Bosco di Rogoredo. According to the prosecution, he allegedly tampered with the crime scene and delayed emergency response; colleagues, initially supporting the claim of self-defence, later retracted their statements. The investigation is examining possible prior irregularities and broader potential responsibilities, while politically, the debate over the legal shield for law enforcement officers has reopened. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that “if the allegations are confirmed in the course of the investigation, we would be facing a very serious incident, a betrayal of the nation and of the dignity and honour of our law enforcement agencies.”
Justice Referendum: At the Ansa Forum, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio expressed confidence in a ‘yes’ outcome for the referendum on 22 and 23 March on the separation of judicial careers, arguing that the reform would improve relations with the judiciary, while a ‘no’ result would strengthen the “extreme wing” of magistrates and weaken political oversight. In line with President Sergio Mattarella’s call for more respectful tones, Nordio nonetheless criticised certain statements made by magistrates. He reiterated that the reform does not limit judicial autonomy nor undermine the mandatory nature of criminal prosecution.
Foreign Policy
Ukraine Conflict: Hungary has blocked a new package of sanctions against Russia and a €90 billion European loan to Ukraine, sparking irritation among EU partners. The decision, announced by Minister Péter Szijjártó and reaffirmed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, is linked to the failure to restore oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. High Representative Kaja Kallas has initiated talks to overcome the deadlock, while European Council President António Costa urged Budapest to respect collective decisions.
Epstein Case: Less than a week after the arrest of Prince Andrew, Peter Mandelson has also been detained as part of the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The former Labour minister, one of the architects of New Labour alongside Tony Blair, is suspected of passing confidential information to the financier during his time in Gordon Brown’s government, influencing markets and gaining personal benefit. According to released documents, he also received payments of approximately $75,000 from Epstein.
Economy and Finance
Tariffs: President Donald Trump has criticised the US Supreme Court for blocking certain tariffs, stating he could rely on alternative legal grounds to maintain tariffs up to 15%, while US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated the intention to preserve the tariff framework without refunding foreign exporters. In response, the European Union has postponed the vote on the agreement with Washington, demanding guarantees on the respect of the deal reached in Scotland. Italy, through Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, has called for avoiding escalation to protect exports.
Inflation: Istat confirms that inflation stood at 1% year-on-year in January, the lowest level since November 2024, with a slight slowdown also for the “shopping basket” (+1.9%). The main contributors were increases in food, housing services, tobacco, and recreational activities. Industry and Made in Italy Minister Adolfo Urso highlighted the drop from 12.6% in October 2022, describing inflation as among the lowest in Europe.