Domestic Policy
Justice: A note from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has reignited tensions between the government and the judiciary following the Rome Court’s decision to award €700 in compensation to an Algerian citizen subject to expulsion orders. Meloni stated: “Italians voted for the centre-right to re-establish clear rules and ensure their enforcement,” and denounced how “a politicised segment of the judiciary continues to obstruct every action aimed at curbing illegal immigration.” According to the Prime Minister, the government “will continue with determination its work to strengthen repatriations,” while the judiciary insists on applying the norms and safeguards provided by the legal system.
Bandecchi: Terni Mayor Stefano Bandecchi has been referred to trial in Rome on charges of tax evasion amounting to approximately €20 million, which, according to prosecutors, were not paid between 2018 and 2022 while he was de facto administrator of Niccolò Cusano University. Investigators allege failure to declare taxable income under Ires and unlawful use of tax benefits, claiming part of the funds were spent on purchases unrelated to academic activities.
Foreign Policy
Board of Peace: Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani will attend Washington’s inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace for Gaza, following approval by the Chamber of Deputies with votes solely from the governing majority and criticism from opposition parties. The Deputy Prime Minister argued that “Italy’s absence from a table discussing peace, security, and stability in the Mediterranean would not only be politically incomprehensible but also contrary” to Article 11 of the Constitution. The debate highlights internal political divisions, while several European countries and the Vatican have announced they will not attend.
Iran: During indirect talks in Geneva between Iran and the United States, mediated by Oman, Minister Badr al-Busaidi spoke of “good progress,” while Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi declared that “the path toward an agreement has begun,” despite several technical aspects remaining to be defined. Meanwhile, internal tensions persist: according to Iran International, government forces reportedly fired on demonstrators in Abdanan during commemorations linked to recent protests against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In Tehran, MP Mojtaba Zarei tore up a photo of European leaders, including President Sergio Mattarella, in Parliament—a gesture prompting Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to summon the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic to Rome.
Economy and Finance
Bills Decree: The much-anticipated Bills Decree, expected to be presented at the Council of Ministers, aims to mobilise approximately €2.5 billion, including a €90 contribution for households with an ISEE income of up to €25,000, alongside targeted interventions on electricity charges and gas costs for businesses. Funding would partly come from within the energy sector, while political debate continues, with Matteo Salvini proposing an additional contribution from banks.
Banking Risk: The board of directors of Monte dei Paschi di Siena has approved full integration with Mediobanca through a merger by absorption and subsequent delisting, marking the end of the historic autonomy of Piazzetta Cuccia. Corporate & investment banking activities, high-end private banking, and the 13.1% stake in Assicurazioni Generali will merge into a new unlisted Mediobanca Spa, fully controlled by Siena, while retail activities will be integrated into the MPS group.