Domestic Policy
Mattarella: In his speech to senior state officials, Sergio Mattarella placed peace at the centre—not as surrender, but as the affirmation of law over force—emphasising the need for a new security strategy and greater commitment to defence. The President reaffirmed the central role of the European Union and the transatlantic relationship in ensuring stability and the future, recalling support for Ukraine. He also expressed concern over citizens’ disaffection and abstentionism, urging political parties to reduce confrontation and work towards shared goals. In closing, the Head of State acknowledged encouraging economic signals, while highlighting persistent challenges regarding poverty, youth, and female employment.
Turin: Following the eviction of the social centre Askatasuna in Turin, the anarchist movement is preparing a mobilisation in the city centre, with a protest announced just steps away from the walled and police-guarded building. For thirty years, Askatasuna has been a national reference point for major anarchist campaigns, often becoming the focus of investigations and clashes with institutions. The municipality claims closure was necessary for reasons of legality and security, but activists announce that protests will continue on the streets.
Foreign Policy
EU Council: The final European Council of 2025 guaranteed Ukraine a two-year funding package of €90 billion, presented by Brussels and Berlin as a success, albeit the result of a compromise that scaled back initial ambitions. The proposal—supported by Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz—to directly use frozen Russian assets was abandoned, deemed legally risky. The agreement instead relies on issuing a European bond, a form of common debt that found favour among countries such as Belgium, Italy, and France, which are more cautious about using Russian reserves.
Putin: During the traditional televised event “Results of the Year,” Vladimir Putin reiterated Russia’s political and military stance on the conflict in Ukraine, presenting the annexation of occupied territories as final and non-negotiable. The president opened the possibility of a truce only coinciding with potential Ukrainian elections, maintaining a hard line against Zelensky and asserting Russia’s position of strength on the ground. Diplomatically, Putin sought dialogue with the United States, praising Donald Trump’s engagement, while attacking the European Union and NATO—particularly regarding frozen Russian assets.
Economy and Finance
Budget: A summit at Palazzo Chigi succeeded in breaking the deadlock over the budget following tensions within the governing coalition, particularly over the pensions dossier, which pitted the League against Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti. Giorgia Meloni convened the deputy prime ministers to mend the rift and relaunch the Budget Law process, which will nevertheless face delays in the Senate. The possibility of a decree-law was ruled out, and it was decided to proceed with a new government amendment, stripped of the most controversial pension measures.
PagoPa: PagoPa will come under the control of the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato and Poste Italiane in a €500 million transaction, allocating 51% to the Institute and 49% to Poste, pending approval by the Antitrust Authority. The acquisition, mandated by the PNRR decree and subject to competition concerns, was accompanied by corrective measures to limit dominant positions. The declared aim is to strengthen the digital transformation of public services and promote the adoption of electronic payments.