Prime Minister: During the New Year press conference, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed hope for the release of Alberto Trentini and other Italians detained in Venezuela, voicing dismay over the Crans-Montana affair. Meloni then outlined political priorities ahead of the 2027 elections, summarized in the themes of security and growth. She also confirmed the dates of 22 and 23 March for the referendum on judicial reform and presented the new housing plan. Developed in collaboration with Confindustria and the CEI, the initiative aims to build 100,000 affordable housing units for vulnerable families over ten years.
Justice: Confirmation of the referendum date on judicial reform for 22–23 March triggered reactions from “No” campaigners, who accuse the government of rushing the vote out of fear of voters and threaten legal challenges. Carlo Guglielmi, spokesperson for the fifteen signatories of a referendum question differing from the government’s by citing laws repealed by the reform, contests the failure to respect constitutional timelines and claims over 300,000 signatures have already been collected. Meanwhile, the “Civil Society Committee for No” has been formed, backed by the Democratic Party, Five Star Movement, Green Left Alliance, CGIL, and numerous associations. Political clashes over the referendum campaign continue, with accusations of delegitimization and government demands to withdraw posters from the “Giusto dire No” Committee, supported by ANM, while the centre-right launches fundraising for the “Yes” campaign.
Foreign Policy
Foreign Minister: In an interview published in Sole 24 Ore, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the ratification of the EU-Mercosur agreement as “a historic event” and “a success for Italy,” highlighting the political and commercial value of the deal after 25 years of negotiations. The agreement liberalizes over 90% of European exports and safeguards sensitive sectors through “robust safeguard clauses.” For businesses, he explained, Italy could gain “an additional 14 billion euros in exports” and tariff savings. The agreement, he added, strengthens security regarding critical raw materials and contributes to the goal of reaching 700 billion euros in exports by 2027.
Iran: On the thirteenth day of protests in Iran against the ayatollah regime, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei accused demonstrators of acting to please the U.S. president. Mobilizations have spread nationwide despite near-total internet and communications blackouts. Thousands responded to the call of exiled former crown prince Reza Pahlavi, defying repression and information blackouts. State television attributes the violence to alleged agents linked to the U.S. and Israel. According to independent sources, protests have resulted in at least 45 deaths and over 2,200 arrests.
Economy and Finance
Mercosur: Ambassadors from the 27 EU countries granted initial approval for signing the free trade agreement with Mercosur. Italy voted in favour, while France, Poland, Austria, Hungary, and Ireland voted against, and Belgium abstained. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the agreement as “a great opportunity” for Italian businesses, aimed at supporting export growth toward the 700 billion euro target while ensuring protections for agriculture. Meanwhile, in Milan, numerous farmers protested against the treaty, blocking traffic with tractors and demonstrating in front of Pirellone alongside Lega representatives.
Monte dei Paschi: The government has not ruled out selling its 4.8% stake in Monte dei Paschi di Siena, pushing the bank’s shares higher and fueling speculation about potential M&A activity in Italy. Among the hypotheses is the creation of a third banking pole with Mediobanca and Banco BPM, estimated at around 50 billion euros in market capitalization. The government stresses it plays no role in market dynamics.