Domestic Policy
Mattarella: On the Day of National Unity and the Armed Forces, President Sergio Mattarella paid tribute to the Unknown Soldier in Rome, recalling the valor of Italian soldiers and reaffirming the need for a common European defence in cooperation with NATO, in light of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The Head of State recalled Russia’s responsibility for its aggression against Kyiv and underscored the role of Italian peacekeeping missions.
Cuffaro: Ten years after his release from prison, Totò Cuffaro is once again under investigation: the Palermo Prosecutor’s Office has requested his arrest, accusing him of leading a criminal association aimed at corruption and bid-rigging. Among the 18 individuals under investigation is also Saverio Romano, MP for Noi Moderati, for whom house arrest has been requested. Both declare their innocence and express confidence in the judiciary.
Foreign Policy
USA: In New York, mayoral elections pit Zohran Mamdani against Andrew Cuomo in a generational contest marked by the cost-of-living crisis and tensions linked to the Gaza conflict, which have reignited debate over antisemitism and divided the Jewish community. Donald Trump has harshly criticized Jewish voters supporting Mamdani, while the Anti-Defamation League has sounded the alarm over a climate of growing hostility. Meanwhile, Dick Cheney, former US Vice President under George Bush and a symbol of conservatism and strengthened executive power after 9/11, has died at age 84.
Middle East Conflict: The Trump administration has submitted to the UN Security Council a draft resolution proposing the creation of an International Stabilisation Force for Gaza, with a two-year mandate to ensure security, disarm Hamas, and cooperate with Israel and Egypt. The plan also includes a “Board of Peace” tasked with transitional administration and coordinating reconstruction until reforms of the Palestinian Authority are implemented. On the ground, the Israeli army announced the destruction of new Hamas tunnels and the recovery of a body handed over by the Islamist group. Tensions flared in Jerusalem as hundreds of settlers gathered on the Temple Mount.
Economy and Finance
Budget: Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti defends the budget, asserting that the government acts in the general interest and welcomes criticism as constructive input during parliamentary committee reviews in both the Chamber of Deputies and Senate. Confindustria acknowledges the budget’s prudence but deems it lacking in momentum, calling for an extraordinary industrial plan and interventions on the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and energy policy. Trade unions offer divergent assessments: CGIL calls the budget inadequate and detrimental to workers and pensioners, while CISL and UIL appreciate its fiscal discipline but demand more resources for healthcare, pensions, and structural IRPEF tax cuts.
Competition: The Constitutional Court has upheld appeals by the Calabria Region, declaring three key provisions of the Salvini Decree on Noleggi Con Conducente (NCC) unlawful and affirming regional competence over local public transport. Judges rejected the 20-minute booking-to-service requirement, the ban on contracts with intermediaries, and the obligation to use only the government’s app, deeming these measures disproportionate and harmful to business freedom. The ruling represents a victory for the Region and Governor Occhiuto, while Minister Salvini has assured that the government will continue refining sector regulation.