Domestic Policy
President of the Republic: The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, delivered his annual end-of-year address against the backdrop of a politically significant year marked by major electoral deadlines. The President highlighted the 80th anniversary of the Republic as a result of social dialogue and reforms, identifying poverty, inequality, wages, and corruption as key priorities, particularly for the future of young people. The theme of peace was central, with a strong emphasis on diplomacy, international law, and the rejection of war, in line with the Vatican’s stance. In a phone call, Giorgia Meloni thanked the Head of State for acknowledging the credibility Italy has earned on the international stage.
Justice: In an interview published in Corriere della Sera, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio discussed the upcoming referendum on justice reform. He clarified that “the date has not yet been set, but it is expected to take place in the second half of March.” The minister stressed that “the more we inform voters about the content and importance of this reform, the more we will bring them to the polls, with positive results.” Regarding the debate with the National Association of Magistrates (Anm), he stated that “the Anm has formed a committee to campaign against the referendum, and this in itself is a political act.” Nordio also reassured that the digitalisation of the justice system is progressing, affirming that “by June, the issue concerning wiretaps will be resolved.”
Foreign Policy
Italy–USA: On 31 December 2025, Giorgia Meloni and Donald Trump held a brief but strategic phone conversation to prepare for 2026, focusing on international issues and bilateral matters. Italy reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the ceasefire in Gaza and supporting Ukraine, with an emphasis on civilian aid and energy infrastructure, but without sending troops. Meloni thanked Trump for reducing tariffs on Italian products and confirmed Italy’s intention to maintain an active role in crisis areas. The Prime Minister will attend meetings in Paris and Kyiv, and is committed to promoting peace through training missions and diplomatic initiatives, while maintaining a balance between support and caution.
Iran: Three years after the protests for rights and freedoms, Iran is facing a new wave of dissent and street demonstrations, this time triggered by the economic crisis and the scarcity of essential goods. The crisis, worsened by the devaluation of the rial and sanctions, has severely impacted the population, fueling anger and unrest. Repression remains systematic, supported by a military apparatus and a fragile yet resilient power structure. Despite promises of reforms and the mediation efforts of President Masoud Pezeshkian, the economy continues to collapse, while Tehran resumes its military and nuclear development programmes.
Economy and Finance
Milleproroghe Decree: The Milleproroghe decree comes into force amid controversy over the temporary absence—currently technical—of extensions to employment bonuses for young people, women, the Mezzogiorno, and self-employment, which the government promises to reinstate through amendments linked to the Budget Law. However, the freeze on traffic fines until 2026 has been confirmed. The start of the year, however, has been marked by numerous price increases: motorway tolls, cigarettes, diesel, and certain local and financial taxes have all risen. The sugar tax and plastic tax have been postponed to 2027, while households and businesses face a general rise in costs.
US Tariffs: At the beginning of 2026, Italian pasta producers celebrated a significant reduction in US tariffs. Following an anti-dumping investigation, the US Department of Commerce drastically lowered tariffs—from 91.74% to 2.26% for Molisana—with reductions also applied to other producers such as Garofalo and Barilla. The revision was announced by the Italian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture.