Domestic Policy
Justice: Two weeks before the referendum on the justice reform, which provides for the separation of careers between prosecutors and judges and the reorganisation of the CSM, the election campaign enters its final phase with polls indicating a dead heat between Yes and No. The government strongly supports the reform and is banking on high voter turnout. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio has called for a reduction in the tone of the debate. The ANPI criticises the reform, fearing risks to the independence of the judiciary. Within the PD, the No vote prevails, though there are voices in favour of Yes. Central to the debate is also the lottery system for members of the Superior Council of the Judiciary.
Foster Care: The case of the “family in the woods” has returned to the centre of attention: the Juvenile Court of L’Aquila has ordered the removal of the mother, suspended from parental responsibility, and the transfer of the children from the foster home where they were housed together, sparking political debate. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has criticised the judges, emphasising that children belong to their parents, not the State, and calling for the swift approval of the Roccella bill on foster care. The left accuses the majority of using the case for political propaganda, while the League calls for an inspection by Justice Minister Carlo Nordio. The incident highlights tensions between politics, the judiciary, and child protection in a context of strong polarisation.
Foreign Policy
Iran: Donald Trump, interviewed by NBC News, stated that the United States wants “a good leader” for Iran and that there are people who, in his view, would do “a good job”, without revealing their names. He added that he is taking measures to protect them during the conflict. The President reiterated that there will be no agreement with Tehran without unconditional surrender. On the economic front, he assured that fuel prices will fall rapidly once the conflict ends.
Europe: Two British AW159 Wildcat helicopters have been deployed to the Akrotiri base in Cyprus to strengthen defence following Iranian drone attacks, integrating with Greek and French ships; reinforcements are expected from Italy and Spain, while Germany will not send new military capabilities. Europe is pursuing a dual strategy of diplomacy and military support: leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Italy, united in the E4 group, are coordinating actions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Middle East, while the European Union is convening a video conference with Middle Eastern leaders to avoid escalation.
Economy and Finance
Energy: Gulf countries are considering halting oil shipments due to the war with Iran, risking a sharp rise in energy prices. The Qatari Energy Minister warned that crude oil could reach $150 per barrel; meanwhile, Brent has already surpassed $90. Attacks have hit oil infrastructure in Iraq and Kurdistan, and traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has almost come to a standstill. Natural gas prices in Europe are also rising. According to Minister Urso, fuel price increases depend on oil companies, while the International Energy Agency assures that the market still has sufficient crude oil.
BTP Valore: The new issuance of multi-year treasury bonds (BTP Valore) concluded its fundraising, reaching €16.2 billion. Following the rise in yields on the markets, the Treasury revised interest rates upwards: 2.6% for the first two years, 3.2% for the third and fourth years, and 3.8% for the final two years. Including the final loyalty bonus, the average annual yield can reach up to 3.35%. The decision to offer something extra allows the Ministry of Economy to maintain the credibility of treasury bonds for families, which will continue to be at the centre of the issuance agenda following yesterday’s performance.