Domestic Policy
Justice: The Senate has definitively approved the justice reform introducing the separation of judicial careers, with 112 votes in favour, 59 against, and 9 abstentions. The constitutional text will be submitted to a confirmatory referendum in spring 2026. The government celebrates a historic milestone, while opposition parties denounce an attack on the balance of powers. Committees for the “Yes” and “No” campaigns are already forming. Many criminal lawyers speak of a step forward toward a more balanced rule of law, but the National Association of Magistrates criticises the alteration of the framework envisioned by the founders.
Strait Bridge: The government awaits the reasoning behind the Court of Auditors’ resolution on the Strait of Messina Bridge to respond point by point to the observations. Following a summit at Palazzo Chigi, the executive, with Meloni, Tajani, and Salvini, reaffirms the shared objective of proceeding with the project. The Court of Auditors clarifies that it has assessed only legal aspects, without entering into the merits of the project’s feasibility. The ministerial decree on the agreement with the concessionaire Stretto di Messina S.p.A. remains under review.
Foreign Policy
USA-China: The meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in South Korea lasted less than two hours and took place in a relaxed atmosphere. Trump described the summit a success, announcing an agreement on rare earths: China will suspend export restrictions on metals for one year, while the US will reduce tariffs on Chinese goods from 57% to 47%. The US president will visit China in April. Washington and Beijing will also cooperate on the Ukraine crisis. Xi emphasised the need for cooperation between the two powers for global stability.
USA: Donald Trump announces the resumption of US nuclear testing to strengthen deterrence against Russia and China, accused of expanding their arsenals. 33 years after the last test, the president announces the move on social media, claiming the US possesses the most advanced arsenal and that the new tests aim to maintain its strategic position. Moscow warns it will respond if the moratorium is broken, while Beijing calls on Washington to respect disarmament agreements. Trump’s initiative marks a potentially destabilising shift, with risks of a new global nuclear escalation.
Economy and Finance
European Central Bank: The European Central Bank maintains interest rates unchanged, with deposit rates at 2%, choosing caution in a weak European economic context but with inflation close to 2%. President Christine Lagarde highlights the resilience of the labour market and private finances, deferring any further moves until December. Meanwhile, Frankfurt accelerates work on the digital euro: operational testing is set to begin in 2027, with possible issuance in 2029. The goal is to ensure the benefits of cash in digital form, strengthen European monetary sovereignty, and reduce dependence on non-EU operators.
ISTAT: Italy’s GDP remains flat in the third quarter of 2025, following the spring decline, confirming economic stagnation despite growth in tourism and employment. Istat reports a cumulative GDP growth of 0.5%, driven by public investment (+6.3%) and the Recovery and Resilience Plan, while consumption and industry remain weak. Domestic demand is falling, only partially offset by exports in a context of strong global uncertainty. According to Istat, the propensity to save returns above pre-Covid levels, while exports suffer from Chinese competition.