Domestic Policy
Justice: The path toward a referendum on judicial reform faces the obstacle of the question to be put to voters, which may not clearly reflect the reform’s key issues—such as the separation of judicial careers and the random selection of members of the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSM). This issue is at the heart of a summit at Palazzo Chigi between the government and the parliamentary majority, while signature collection proceeds. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio defends the reform, which aims for a fairer and more transparent justice system, rejecting criticism from opposing magistrates.
Housing: The government has decided to postpone the measure on evictions and rapid clearances, initially planned as a decree-law, now considering a legislative bill to avoid objections regarding lack of urgency. As a result, timelines are extended compared to initial intentions. However, the majority reaffirms its intention to act: a bill presented to the Senate by Paolo Marcheschi (Brothers of Italy) proposes a special administrative procedure for property release in cases of non-payment and establishes an Authority for Evictions within the Ministry of Justice.
Foreign Policy
Torre dei Conti: The partial collapse of Rome’s Torre dei Conti has become an international issue following a comment by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who sarcastically linked Italian funds destined for Ukraine to the symbolic “collapse” of Italy. The Italian Foreign Ministry described her remarks as “inappropriate” and “sordid,” underscoring Italy’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people and condemning Moscow’s attitude. Russia’s ambassador to Italy, Alexey Paramonov, was summoned for a formal reprimand.
Venezuela: In an interview with CBS, Donald Trump stated that “Maduro’s days are numbered,” without commenting on potential military action against Venezuela, as U.S. presence in the Caribbean grows. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro responded by defending the strength of his country’s democracy and the pride of the Venezuelan people. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia is monitoring the situation and hopes it remains peaceful, avoiding new conflicts in the region.
Economy and Finance
Budget Law: With the start of hearings in the Senate, the budget session has begun, with over 80 representatives from various sectors and associations scheduled to testify until Thursday. Key topics include criticism of increased taxes on short-term rentals and the IRAP tax on banks and insurers, demands for greater support for families and professionals, and increased attention to social and environmental policies. The Italian Banking Association (ABI) denounces the heavy impact of the new 7.4% IRAP rate, while family associations call for extending the universal allowance up to age 21. The measure, worth €18.7 billion, will be voted on in the Senate on 24 November, with €100 million allocated for amendments.
ENI: ENI and Petronas have signed a joint venture to collaborate in the gas sector in Indonesia and Malaysia. The agreement, signed in the presence of ENI CEO Claudio Descalzi and Petronas President Tengku Muhammad Taufik, follows the memorandum of understanding signed on 17 June. The new company will manage a total of 19 upstream projects: 14 in Indonesia and 5 in Malaysia. Financially self-sufficient, the joint venture will have a $15 billion investment plan over the next five years.