Domestic Politics
Quirinale-Government: The publication of an article in La Verità about a supposed plan to obstruct Prime Minister Meloni has created tension between Fratelli d’Italia and the Quirinale. Group leader Bignami has demanded a clarification from councillor Garofani, while the Quirinale issued a surprise statement expressing concern over the attention given to unsubstantiated reconstructions. Opposition parties have voiced concern over the institutional climate and called for clarifications in Parliament. Fratelli d’Italia and Palazzo Chigi have confirmed full confidence in President Mattarella’s loyalty.
Veneto Regional Elections: At a rally in Padua supporting Lega candidate Andrea Stefani, Prime Minister Meloni reaffirmed Fratelli d’Italia’s role as the driving force of the centre-right coalition, highlighting the importance of her party’s support during a delicate political moment. The speech comes amid internal competition in Veneto, where parties are vying to assert leadership ahead of the regional elections. The League aims to recover ground after the 2022 results, while Fratelli d’Italia seeks to consolidate its position in the productive Northeast. The outcome of the vote will be crucial in shaping future centre-right balances and strategies across the regions.
Foreign Policy
USA: The US House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a bill requiring the release of files related to the Epstein case, supported even by Donald Trump despite his criticisms of the investigations and tensions with the press. Meanwhile, at the White House, Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, strengthening bilateral relations despite controversies linked to the Khashoggi murder. The president praised the Saudi leader, who reiterated his intention to cooperate on the Middle East peace process and potential adherence to the Abraham Accords. Economic investments and cooperation in military and technological fields were also discussed, while human rights remain a sensitive issue.
Ukraine Conflict: In a new stage of his European tour, Ukrainian President Zelensky reiterated the need to strengthen the country’s air defence, securing a new military aid package worth €615 million from Spain. Building on agreements with Greece and France, Zelensky will travel to Turkey to meet President Erdogan and Trump’s special envoy, aiming to reopen a negotiation space with Moscow. Meanwhile, Ukraine has confirmed for the first time the use of Atacms missiles against targets in Russian territory, describing it as a significant step in defending its sovereignty.
Economy and Finance
Budget: The centre-right is reviving the issue of educational freedom by proposing a €1,500 voucher for families with an ISEE below €30,000 who choose private schools, a measure contested by the opposition, which views it as a favour to private institutions. Meanwhile, the Senate continues reviewing the budget bill, with the selection of “flagged” amendments and a technical extension of deadlines to allow groups to reduce the over 5,700 proposals. Several issues remain open within the majority, ranging from building amnesty to tax policy and pensions, awaiting a political compromise that maintains unchanged budget balances. Meanwhile, the renewal of the doctors’ contract has been reached, but without the signature of the CGIL.
Markets: Market attention is focused on Nvidia, a symbol of the artificial intelligence boom, as the release of quarterly earnings could influence the entire tech sector. Markets have shown strong caution, with widespread selling on European and Wall Street exchanges. Piazza Affari lost over 2%, in line with other markets, while Bitcoin and gold experienced sharp fluctuations. Nevertheless, many experts believe this does not represent an imminent bubble, highlighting strong earnings growth and strategic investments in the sector.