Domestic Policy
Head of State: On the centenary of the birth of Vittorio Bachelet, murdered by the Red Brigades in 1980, Sergio Mattarella recalled at Sapienza University his “method” based on “dialogue and reconciliation” and the centrality of the Constitution. The Head of State emphasized how, even during the Years of Lead, Bachelet defended the democratic order “without yielding to extraordinary measures.” This is a timely reminder amid tensions surrounding justice and the referendum, while the Higher Council of the Judiciary reaffirms sobriety and a sense of limits as guiding principles for institutions.
Justice: The Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council, Alfredo Mantovano, urged lowering the tone of the referendum campaign, warning that otherwise “we risk ruins” among institutions. The debate between politics and the judiciary continues, with criticism directed at the Prosecutor of the Republic at the Naples Court, Nicola Gratteri, and discussions even within the governing majority over Nordio’s remarks concerning the Higher Council of the Judiciary. Meanwhile, the government is challenging the ruling that condemns ministries to compensate the Sea Watch vessel in the Rackete case. Piantedosi highlights the decline in landings, Salvini attacks judges, while Tajani calls for avoiding further escalation of conflict.
Foreign Policy
Iran: Tehran is preparing a proposal for an agreement it intends to present to the White House within two or three days, as the deadline of Donald Trump’s ultimatum approaches. Trump granted Iran ten days to “reach a serious agreement,” warning that otherwise “ugly things” might occur. Meanwhile, the United States is completing the deployment of its military forces in the Middle East, with the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford already stationed in the Mediterranean. Such a large-scale mobilization has not been seen since 2003, the year of the American invasion of Iraq. To overthrow Tehran’s government, Trump is also considering selective attacks against Iranian leaders.
Interview with Antonio Tajani: The interview with Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, published in Il Giornale, highlights the intense pace of his travels, including visits to Washington, Stuttgart, and other events. Regarding the partial suspension of Trump’s tariffs, he stated, “It’s always good news when tariffs are removed, but I don’t believe there will be major changes.” On Middle Eastern affairs, Tajani hopes “to bring the era of war to a close” and stresses that “we must ensure Israel’s security and allow the Palestinian Authority to govern itself.” Italy is ready to collaborate in training Gaza’s police force, and Tajani hopes for an agreement with Iran before conflict erupts.
Economy and Finance
US Tariffs: The US Supreme Court, by a vote of 6 to 3, struck down most of the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump under the 1977 law on emergency economic powers, ruling that measures of significant economic impact require explicit Congressional authorization. Three conservative justices also voted against the tariffs. The decision drew critical reactions from Trump and requests for clarification from the European Union and the United Kingdom. Financial markets reacted positively.
Monte dei Paschi: The board of directors of MPS has compiled a list of 30 candidates, including 19 new names, for the renewal of top management. Among the most prominent profiles are Corrado Passera, Fabrizio Palermo, Paolo Boccardelli, and Massimo Caputi, alongside CEO Luigi Lovaglio and Chairman Nicola Maione. The selection, overseen by Domenico Lombardi with assistance from consultancy firm Korn Ferry, will be narrowed down to 20 names to ultimately form a 15-member board, as required by capital laws. The ECB is calling for a high-profile board, given the presence of major shareholders such as Delfin and Caltagirone. The final list is expected by 5 March.