Domestic Policy
Tourism: In an interview published in Il Giornale on the occasion of the opening of the Third International Tourism Forum in Milan, Minister Daniela Santanchè explains that the challenge of under-tourism means “focusing on the development of tourism” in areas excluded from major tourist flows, such as small towns and inland regions, where “we can grow significantly.” According to the minister, it is necessary to “change the paradigm,” managing flows and focusing on quality. Tourism, she states, “is the language through which Italy presents itself to the world” and also measures the credibility of a government. Santanchè advocates for policies based on “planning, investment, and political responsibility,” reminding that “tourism does not live on inertia, it lives on choices.”
Lega: Tense atmosphere at the three-day Lega gathering in Roccaraso, marked by ambiguities surrounding Roberto Vannacci and signs of internal unrest. Matteo Salvini reaffirms the party’s central role as a governing force, while the general’s growing autonomy and absence from the event widen the divide. His openness to a possible new party fuels speculation of a split, with MPs and regional councilors ready to follow him. The invitation to Francesca Pascale, who has criticized Vannacci, deepens the rifts. Amid leaks and manoeuvres by the far right, February is seen as a potential decisive moment for a break within the Lega-led centre-right.
Foreign Policy
Italy-Germany: At the bilateral summit held at Villa Pamphilj, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz strengthened the Italy-Germany axis by signing an action plan on European competitiveness, to be presented at the EU summit on 12 February. The two countries agree on the need to revitalise European industry, reinforce strategic autonomy, and revise the timing and methods of the green transition. Broad alignment is also evident on foreign policy, defence, immigration, and relations with the United States, reaffirming Europe’s central role in the global landscape.
Ukraine: The trilateral summit between the US, Ukraine, and Russia in Abu Dhabi opens with Moscow’s demand that Kyiv renounce the Donbass as a condition for peace. Zelensky, awaiting Trump for a security guarantee agreement, reiterates that the issue of Russian-occupied eastern territories will be central in negotiations. His criticism of a “weak and divided” Europe has drawn negative reactions, despite strong EU support. Brussels, however, insists on continued political, military, and financial commitment, amounting to nearly €200 billion, and Ukraine’s integration into European defence programmes.
Economy and Finance
Pensions: The “freezing” of the retirement age could end in the coming years. According to projections by the General Accounting Office, based on automatic adjustments to life expectancy, from 2027 the requirements for old-age and early retirement pensions are expected to increase progressively. The minimum age would rise to 67 years and 8 months by 2031, with further increases in subsequent years. The document is technical in nature but reopens a political and public finance issue. The CGIL denounces the lack of a halt to automatic mechanisms and calls for a reform introducing greater flexibility in retirement.
Small and Medium Enterprises: The lack of dynamism in the Milan Stock Exchange is due not only to Italians’ preference for saving, but also to companies’ choice to finance themselves through banks rather than capital markets. This was stated by Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, highlighting how this weakness particularly penalises SMEs. To strengthen the market, the Ministry of Economy has launched the Indirect National Strategic Fund, managed by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, which will invest through closed-end funds dedicated to medium-sized quoted companies outside the FTSE MIB. The goal is to mobilise over €700 million to support the less valued segment of the Italian stock market.