Domestic Politics
Privacy: The General Secretary of the Privacy Authority, Angelo Fanizza, has resigned following allegations that he initiated an overly invasive internal investigation to identify potential “moles” after a Report programme. The staff assembly, informed of requests for access to email and IT systems, had called for the resignation of the entire Board. The Authority denies any such mandate and disassociates itself from the initiative, describing it as a violation of privacy. Internal tensions remain, and questions persist over actual responsibilities.
Regional Elections: The final phase of the campaign for the regional elections in Campania is underway. Last evening, a rally was held by national centre-left leaders in support of Roberto Fico. Fico concluded his campaign independently from other coalition figures, alongside the leader of the Five Star Movement, Giuseppe Conte. Today, a press conference is scheduled in Naples with the Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, and the centre-right candidate for the presidency of the region, Edmondo Cirielli. Meetings with Forza Italia leader Antonio Tajani are also expected.
Foreign Policy
Ukraine: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received a delegation from the Pentagon led by Dan Driscoll, who delivered the peace plan drafted by Trump’s envoy, though it is considered too favourable to Moscow. Kyiv confirms it has received the document and says it is ready to collaborate with Washington to relaunch diplomatic negotiations. Zelensky will soon discuss the plan with the US President. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged both sides to make difficult concessions. The EU, through Kallas, supports the need for a just peace involving both Ukraine and Europe, but has not yet been able to review the proposal.
COP30: A fire, likely caused by an electrical short circuit, led to the evacuation of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, with no injuries but negotiations slowed. The incident occurred on the penultimate day of negotiations, already marked by clashes over the roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels, opposed by oil-producing states. The EU reaffirms the need for an agreement on emission cuts, funding for the transition in poor countries, and climate adaptation measures. Brazil remains confident the conference will be remembered for its outcomes, not the fire.
Economy and Finance
Budget Law: The majority, in revising the budget law, is focusing on a new League-led Housing Plan, funded until 2030, with rent-controlled housing and the option to purchase at the end. Forza Italia is pushing to extend the renovation bonus until 2028. Disagreements remain over tax debt write-offs, Irap for banks, and the tax exemption for contracts proposed by Fratelli d’Italia. Forza Italia is calling for sector-specific interventions and greater transparency in football. The League is renewing calls for a reduction in the Rai licence fee. The government has extended until 2036 the VAT obligations for the third sector. The synthesis on housing, taxation, and labour will be decisive in the upcoming summit.
Ilva: Strikes at the former Ilva plants in Genoa and Taranto have reignited fears of a split between northern and southern facilities. The government has approved a decree ensuring production continuity, authorising the use of €108 million until 2026 and allocating additional funds for Cigs, maintenance, severance payments, and energy costs. Unions are demanding direct government intervention and the protection of the group’s integrity. While worker mobilisation continues, negotiations with four potential buyers and various offers for individual business units remain open.