Domestic Policy
Chamber of Deputies: The occupation of the press room at Montecitorio by opposition parties led to its closure for public order reasons, with all press conferences cancelled and external access prohibited. This decision followed the booking of the room by Lega MP Domenico Furgiuele for an event on “remigration” promoted by far-right figures, including CasaPound, which was deemed inappropriate even by Chamber President Lorenzo Fontana. Opposition parties denounced the improper use of Parliament, describing it as an affront to the Constitution, while acknowledging the institutional role played by Fontana and Montecitorio staff.
Justice: During the ceremony inaugurating the 2026 judicial year at the Supreme Court of Cassation, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio firmly rejected criticisms of the justice reform, calling it “blasphemous” to claim that it aims to undermine judicial independence—a principle he considers non-negotiable. Nordio also denied any intention to subordinate the judiciary to the executive branch, dismissing such accusations as unfounded manipulation and expressing hope that the controversy would be superseded by more mature assessments.
Interview: Giorgia Meloni: In an interview published in Il Foglio, Giorgia Meloni reflects on the major geopolitical and economic challenges facing Europe and Italy, beginning with the defence of freedom and national interest. The Prime Minister stresses that “before convincing Americans, I believe we should first convince ourselves,” urging Europe to take responsibility for its own security. Central to this is NATO, founded on “two solid pillars: one North American and one European,” and support for Ukraine, because “the freedom being defended in Kyiv is not only the freedom of the Ukrainian people, but also ours.” Economically, Meloni emphasizes that opening markets—from Mercosur to India—must avoid creating new strategic dependencies.
Foreign Policy
Ukraine: Russia has agreed to suspend attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure until Sunday, at the personal request of Donald Trump, aiming to facilitate the resumption of direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. However, the truce appears limited and uncertain: according to Zelensky, while energy-related bombardments have ceased, attacks on civilian and logistical targets continue. Concerns are also rising over the safety of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, prompting some countries to call for an emergency meeting of the IAEA. The effectiveness of this conciliatory gesture on negotiations remains doubtful, as does Russia’s genuine willingness to make political and territorial concessions.
Iran: Donald Trump is considering new military options against Iran, while declaring a preference for a diplomatic solution. The President warned Tehran that armed action will be avoided only if Iran abandons its nuclear weapons programme and halts internal repression. Meanwhile, Washington has imposed new sanctions on Iranian officials and the Revolutionary Guards. On the table remain options for targeted raids, covert operations, or joint action with Israel. Iran says it is ready for negotiations but warns it is also prepared for conflict, while condemning the EU’s decision to designate the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group.
Economy and Finance
Italy’s Credit Rating: Standard & Poor’s Global has confirmed Italy’s credit rating at BBB+, upgrading its outlook from stable to positive. The assessment acknowledges the resilience of the Italian economy, the strength of the private sector, and current account surpluses, as well as the gradual consolidation of public finances, with the deficit projected to remain below 3% of GDP from 2026. Public debt remains high but is expected to decline from 2028. Risks persist due to uncertainty in international trade and domestic political competition, which could hinder structural reforms ahead of the 2027 elections.
Federal Reserve: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his selection of Kevin Warsh as the next Chair of the Federal Reserve, set to succeed Jerome Powell whose term is nearing expiration. In a message posted on Truth, Trump praised Warsh, describing him as a figure destined to enter the central bank’s history. Long considered a hardliner in the fight against inflation, Warsh has not promised interest rate cuts, although Trump reiterated that the goal remains to reduce them—clarifying that this will occur without political pressure.