Domestic Policy
Gender-based violence: At the International Conference Against Femicide, statements by Ministers Nordio and Roccella sparked controversy. Nordio attributed the persistent gender gap to a “male genetic code” resistant to equality, despite cultural progress, and advocated for laws and education. Roccella claimed that sex education does not reduce violence against women. Opposition parties have criticised both ministers, accusing them of shifting focus from cultural and political responsibilities to supposed innate determinisms.
Regional Elections: The final electoral round of the year concerns Veneto, Campania, and Puglia, with polling stations open tomorrow, Sunday, and Monday. Although influenced by local dynamics, the vote will have implications for national coalitions: the centre-left is testing the “broad front”, while the centre-right is assessing relations between Lega and FI. The three regions are facing the end of long political cycles: Emiliano in Puglia, De Luca in Campania, and Zaia in Veneto have each been in power for over ten years and are ineligible for re-election. In Veneto, Stefani (centre-right) and Manildo (centre-left) are running; in Campania, the Five Star candidate Fico is up against Cirielli (Fratelli d’Italia); in Puglia, Decaro (PD) faces Lobuono (Forza Italia), with Vendola returning as a candidate for Alleanza Verdi Sinistra.
Foreign Policy
Ukraine: Ukraine is under pressure following Donald Trump’s ultimatum, demanding acceptance of a peace plan by 27 November that includes ceding Donetsk and Lugansk and other harsh conditions such as reducing its military, threatening to cut off military aid. The EU, UK, and the coalition of the “Volunteer” nations do not support the diktat and are working on an alternative proposal. Zelensky, supported by Merz, Macron, and Starmer, is considering the US plan but insists on safeguarding national interests and is preparing a counter-proposal, while Putin states that the plan could serve as a basis for agreement and threatens new conquests.
USA: After months of conflict, Donald Trump welcomed the new mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, to the White House, describing him as rational and acknowledging his talent. The two found common ground on the cost of living and the need for new housing. The meeting, described as “productive”, marks a shift from Trump’s previous threats towards the city. Mamdani, backed by a young Democratic team, reiterates the urgency of addressing the rental crisis. Meanwhile, the House has passed a Republican resolution against socialism.
Economy and Finance
Moody’s: Moody’s has upgraded Italy’s rating from Baa3 to Baa2 with a stable outlook, the first upgrade in 23 years. The agency credits political stability as a key factor for credibility, investment, and continuity of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. It also positively assesses the prudence of fiscal policy and the path of fiscal consolidation led by Giorgetti. Stability strengthens the effectiveness of reforms and growth prospects, despite challenges such as high debt. The upgrade confirms Italy as a reliable and stable country.
ECB: The European Commission has launched an infringement procedure against Italy regarding the golden power over banks, interpreting it as a possible violation of single market rules and ECB competences. Nevertheless, the move appears more as a result of political mediation, with the Italian government ready to propose a regulatory revision. The action indirectly concerns the UniCredit-Bpm case, but the Commission has clarified that the infringement does not refer to specific operations: a separate Pilot Review has indeed been initiated on the Dpcm concerning UniCredit-Bpm.