Top news stories from Italy this week.

Italy's main news headlines from 14-20 December 2024.

Open Arms: Matteo Salvini, the leader of the right-wing Lega and deputy prime minister, awaits a court ruling on charges of kidnapping and abuse of office for blocking 147 migrants from disembarking in 2019. Prosecutors have requested a six-year jail term. The Lega party announced plans to mobilise if Salvini is convicted.

Meloni and Musk: Following criticism from the opposition in parliament, prime minister Giorgia Meloni defended her friendship with tech billionaire Elon Musk, telling Italian lawmakers that she would not be influenced in areas where he has economic interests, adding that she had good relationships “with many people" but doesn't "take orders from anyone.”

Atreju: Meloni concluded the week-long political festival organised by her right-wing Fratelli d’Italia party, emphasising her government’s accomplishments and future reforms for 2025. She defended the decision to establish a migrant camp in Albania, expressed support for her sister Arianna Meloni, and welcomed guests including Argentina’s president Javier Milei whom her government granted Italian citizenship.

Mattarella on democracy and asylum rights: Addressing a conference of Italian ambassadors, President Sergio Mattarella advocated for democratic values, the right to asylum and the importance of institutions such as the UN, the EU and NATO. Mattarella stressed Italy’s leadership role in international diplomacy and expressed concerns about global monopolies undermining democracy.

ANM protests: The National Magistrates Association (ANM) announced protests against government proposals to separate the careers of judges and prosecutors, arguing the changes would undermine judicial independence.

Rome New Year’s concert: The exclusion of rapper Tony Effe from Rome’s New Year’s Eve concert over his violent and sexist lyrics triggered a ripple effect, with other artists pulling out in protest amid claims of censorship. Tony Effe hit back by organising his own New Year's Eve concert in Rome, with cut-price tickets.

DR Congo fever fatality: A 55-year-old man from Treviso died of hemorrhagic fever after returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Italian and WHO health authorities are investigating the cause of death, with suspicions ranging from a malaria epidemic to other infectious diseases.

Caver rescued: Ottavia Piana, an Italian speleologist trapped deep in the Bueno Fonteno Abyss in the northern Bergamo area, was successfully rescued after days of efforts by more than 150 volunteers led by Italy's Alpine and cave rescue corps.

Italy's main news headlines from 7-13 December 2024.

General strike: Deputy premier and transport minister Matteo Salvini clashed with unions over a general strike on Friday in protest against working conditions. Salvini ordered the 24-hour public transport element of the strike to be reduced to four hours. However a court accepted an appeal from the USB union and the strike reverted to 24 hours. Salvini vows to table new rules on strikes.

ENI fuel depot explosion: Five people were killed and several injured in an explosion at an ENI gas refinery in Calenzano near Florence. An investigation was launched into the tragedy which led to a day of mourning and a four-hour strike in Tuscany.

Migration tragedy: An 11-year-old girl was the sole survivor of a migrant shipwreck near the island of Lampedusa. Rescued by a German NGO, the girl was at sea for three days after the boat she was on capsized in a storm. Authorities were searching for the 44 other passengers, presumed dead, missing at sea.

Covid no-vax fines controversy: The government’s cancellation of fines for unvaccinated individuals during the covid pandemic has sparked sharp political and public debates. Healthcare workers and opposition parties criticise the decision as undermining public health measures.

Spanish royal visit to Rome: Spain's King Felipe VI marked his decade-long reign with a state visit to Italy, addressing parliament in Italian and emphasising strong bilateral ties.

Judicial reporting decree: A new government decree restricting media coverage of judicial processes faces a backlash from journalists, magistrates and opposition politicians. Critics warn it threatens press freedom and transparency in legal proceedings.

Asylum freeze for Syrians: In alignment with European partners, Italy has suspended asylum requests from Syria, citing security and minority protection concerns. The move, endorsed by Salvini, includes calls for stricter Schengen area controls.

Meloni meets Trump: Italian premier Giorgia Meloni met with US President-elect Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Notre Dame reopening in Paris, signalling a potential strengthening of bilateral relations. Trump praised Meloni, highlighting her energy and leadership qualities.

First beating heart transplant: Italy’s University Hospital of Padua achieved a groundbreaking medical milestone by performing the world’s first beating heart transplant.

Italy's main news headlines from 30 November-6 December 2024.

Self check-in ban: Italy's interior ministry issued a ban on self check-ins for short-let holiday rentals, over security concerns, with guests now required to check-in in person. Rome police responded with a crackdown on key boxes.

Turetta jailed for life: Filippo Turetta was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Giulia Cecchettin. The high-profile case sparked a national debate on femicide, patriarchy and violence against women.

Neo-Nazi arrests: Police in Bologna arrested 12 people as part of an investigation into the "Werwolf Division", a white-supremist, neo-Nazi group allegedly planning attacks on institutional figures including prime minister Giorgia Meloni.

Meloni meets Orban: Meloni and Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban held private talks in Rome, discussing issues including Ukraine, illegal immigration and European policies.

M5S tensions: Giuseppe Conte, leader of the populist Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S) said the party as founded by Beppe Grillo is "dead." Grillo criticised Conte, accusing him of the party's decline and suggesting a new symbol for its future.

Atreju: Argentina president Xavier Milei is to be a guest of Atreju, the annual conservative political festival organised by Meloni's right-wing Fratelli d'Italia party, taking place at Rome's Circus Maximus, complete with an ice-skating rink. Opposition politicians including Giuseppe Conte will aslo attend however the leader centre-left Partito Democratico (PD) Elly Schlein was not invited.

Migration law passed: The government's Decreto Flussi got the green light, following final approval from the senate, listing "safe countries" for repatriation and giving police new powers to check the phones of newly-arrived immigrants who are unable to provide identity documents.

Justice reform: A new law supporting the separation of magistrates' careers received initial approval as part of the government's efforts to reform the judicial system.

Stellantis crisis: Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigned amid a sales drop, economic struggles and tensions with the government which is monitoring the situation in a bid to protect jobs and investments.

Italy's main news headlines from 23-29 November 2024.

General strike: Trade unions CGIL and UIL staged an eight-hour strike to demand a more worker-friendly budget bill. Government intervention reduced disruption to the transport sector to four hours. The Administrative Court (TAR) ruled in favour of the government.

M5S power struggle: After online voting, the populist Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S) confirmed Giuseppe Conte as leader, removed founder Beppe Grillo's guarantor role, and abolished the two-term limit. Grillo, criticising the process, demanded a re-vote with independent oversight. Conte accused Grillo of undermining the party’s legacy.

Government tensions: Deputy premiers Matteo Salvini and Antonio Tajani clashed over various issues, including the RAI licence fee and the fiscal decree, which passed with a vote of confidence. Tensions escalated with Tajani urging Salvini to "tone it down," while Salvini asserted that prime minister Giorgia Meloni trusts his leadership. Meloni warned her deputies that internal conflicts harm the government.

Meloni-Mattarella meeting: Meloni met with President Sergio Mattarella to discuss pressing issues including Trump’s election and the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Mattarella advised avoiding internal divisions.

Violence against women: Meloni cited data linking illegal migrants to violence against women, sparking a backlash. Centre-left Partito Democratico (PD) leader Elly Schlein argued that violence is rooted in systemic patriarchy. Government plans include promoting women’s economic autonomy.

G7 Foreign Ministers meeting: Deputy premier Tajani emphasised the need for a peace conference on Ukraine and stronger UNIFIL rules in the Middle East. He affirmed respect for the International Criminal Court while advocating for balanced interpretations of its rulings.

Migration and security: The government approved an extension to 30 days for migrant appeal rulings and expanded Decreto Flussi quotas for workers. Opposition criticised the measures as ineffective propaganda. Meanwhile, Milan riots erupted after the death of an Egyptian youth during a police chase.

Italy's main news headlines from 16-22 November 2024.

Centre-left wins regional elections. The centre-left secured victories in Emilia-Romagna and Umbria, marking a significant political shift and a setback for the right-wing coalition.

Italy updates Highway Code. Parliament passed a bill updating the Highway Code to include stiffer penalties for drink and drug driving, using phones at the wheel, and abandoning animals, as well as new rules requiring electric scooter users to wear helmets, get licence plates and be insured.

Russian espionage uncovered in Italy. Two men are under investigation by the Milan public prosecutor's office for allegedly providing sensitive information to Russian intelligence services, "for the purposes of terrorism and subversion", beginning in May 2023.

Meloni meets Milei in Argentina. Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, during her visit to Argentina, met President Javier Milei with whom she shared plans of building an alliance to "defend the identity of the West, freedom, sovereignty".

Lega faces internal turmoil. Significant electoral losses in Veneto and other regions including Umbria have created tension within the right-wing Lega. Leader Matteo Salvini is under growing pressure from regional leaders dissatisfied with the party’s performance.

M5S in crisis. The populist Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S) continues its decline, with membership decreasing drastically. Party leader Giuseppe Conte signals potential leadership changes amid the crisis.

Judiciary-government tensions escalate. President Sergio Mattarella criticised increasing clashes between government and judiciary, warning that they undermine public trust. Judges’ associations highlighted threats to judicial independence.

Migration debate sparks controversy. The government approved the so-called Musk amendment, to alter immigration detainment protocols despite judicial objections. Education minister Valditara’s comments linking violence against women to illegal migration faced a widespread backlash.

Nationwide healthcare strike. Healthcare workers staged a nationwide strike to protest government policies, with only emergency services operating. The CGIL trade union also confirmed a general strike against the government's budget plans.

Trapani prison scandal. Eleven prison officers in Trapani's Cerulli prison were put under house arrest and another 14 were suspended from duty in relation to a probe into the alleged torture and abuse of prisoners.

Rome gets ready for Jubilee. Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri said the city is on track to complete major construction projects, including a new underpass near St Peter's, in time for the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025.

Italy's main news headlines from 9-15 November 2024.

Mattarella responds to Musk: Sergio Mattarella issued a strong rebuke to Elon Musk after the billionaire criticised Italian judges for blocking migrant transfers to Albania. Mattarella called Italy “a great democratic country” that respects its constitution, demanding that anyone assuming an important role abroad respect its sovereignty. Following a phone call with prime minister Giorgia Meloni, Musk released a statement through his Italian representative affirming his respect for Italy’s institutions. Opposition parties have urged the government to take a stronger stand in defending national sovereignty, emphasising that such comments from a foreign figure undermine Italian governance.

Regional elections in Umbria and Emilia-Romagna: Voters in Umbria and Emilia-Romagna head to the polls this weekend for key regional elections that could have national ramifications. For Prime Minister Meloni, a victory would consolidate the right’s political dominance. For the opposition, these elections offer a chance to gain momentum after a period of decline. The elections come amid rising tensions, including protests and clashes in Bologna, where far-right and anti-fascist groups have faced off, prompting criticism of the government’s handling of public order.

Government and judiciary clash over migration policies: Tensions between the judiciary and the government escalates after judges in Rome blocked migrant transfers under the Albania migration deal. Deputy premier Matteo Salvini has criticised magistrates, accusing them of bias, while justice minister Nordio urged judges to refrain from public policy debates. The government has proposed transferring jurisdiction over immigration detention cases from specialised immigration sections to the Court of Appeal. Opposition leaders claim the move is a politically motivated attempt to remove judicial obstacles and weaken judicial independence.

Meloni advocates pragmatism on climate at COP29: Addressing COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Meloni stressed the importance of a pragmatic and non-ideological approach to combating climate change. She emphasised the need for an energy mix that includes renewables, gas, biofuels, hydrogen, and nuclear fusion. Meloni said the government is allocating a large amount of the more-than €4 billion Climate Fund budget towards initiatives in Africa. While supporters highlight her focus on innovation, critics argue that her emphasis on nuclear fusion is unrealistic given that its technology remains in the early stages of development.

Jubilee preparations marred by corruption allegations: Rome’s preparations for the Jubilee Year 2025 have been tainted by corruption investigations involving four municipal officials and one regional officer. Prosecutors allege that companies linked to organised crime paid bribes to avoid oversight during road resurfacing projects. As a result, substandard asphalt was used, jeopardising the integrity of the works. The scandal has raised questions about governance and transparency in managing the Jubilee’s significant infrastructure budget.

Italy's main news headlines from 2-8 November 2024.

Italy sends migrants to Albania: An Italian naval ship carrying a total of eight migrants – six Egyptians and two Bangladeshis – landed in Albania as Rome sought to revive its controversial migrant repatriation deal with Tirana. The scheme, a flagship policy of Italy's right-wing premier Giorgia Meloni, has run into several legal hurdles from Italian courts and faced much criticism from human rights groups since its launch last month.

Mattarella in China: President Sergio Mattarella set out on a diplomatic mission to China in an effort to restore Italy's trade ties with the superpower after Italy withdrew from the Belt and Road Initiative. Mattarella met with President Xi Jinping - who hailed him as "an old friend of the Chinese people" - and stressed the need for harmony amid a fast-changing world. Mattarella was joined on the trip by Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani.

Reaction to Trump win: Meloni called Donald Trump to congratulate him on winning the US presidential election, underlining the "unshakable alliance, common values, and historic friendship" between Italy and the US. She also offered congratulations to her "friend" Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, who backed Trump's election campaign. Italy’s deputy premier Matteo Salvini hailed the "common sense" that led to the "historic" victory in the US, pointing out that he was the only party leader to openly support Trump.

Strikes: Italy has faced a spate of strikes affecting public transport amid rising tensions between trade unions and the government. One strike was in response to the stabbing of a train conductor, others are in relation to demands for pay hikes and better working conditions. Maurizio Landini, leader of Italy's biggest trade union CGIL, accused Meloni of "bullying" after she said pointedly that she had to work even though she was sick, as she did not have any union rights. Meloni also said her government defends workers better than the “caviar-eating left”. Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Partito Democratico (PD), responded: “I have never eaten caviar, but I cannot stand workers being purged with castor oil either; so we will continue to stand by them.” Italy faces a general strike on 29 November to protest against the government's budget plans.

Trevi Fountain: The international spotlight was on the Trevi Fountain after Rome authorities installed a small makeshift pool in front of the Baroque landmark, which is currently drained as it undergoes maintenance, to allow tourists to continue the tradition of tossing coins. The city has also erected a raised walkway over the fountain for the duration of the works, scheduled to end this year, amid plans to introduce an entry fee in 2025.

Mattarella and RAI: President Mattarella stressed the importance of preserving pluralism at RAI, Italy's state broadcaster, when it comes to public media reform. The president urged for a fair and inclusive platform that better serves Italy's diverse populace, cautioning against the polarising impact of partisanship in public service media.

Italy's main news headlines from 26-31 October 2024.

Liguria elections: Italy's right-wing coalition celebrated the victory of its candidate Marco Bucci in Liguria's regional elections. Genoa mayor Bucci won 48 per cent of the vote, narrowly beating his centre-left rival, former justice minister Andrea Orlando. The result was a blow for Italy's opposition on the left, comprising an uneasy alliance between the centre-left Partito Democratico (PD) and the populist Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S). The PD emerged as the largest single party by vote percentage while the M5S saw a substantial decline in support compared to previous elections.

Migrant decree: The Italian government's contested migrant repatriation scheme in Albania hit another hurdle after Bologna judges challenged a new decree classifying 19 countries as "safe". The Bologna tribunal questioned the parameters of the government's migrant repatriation decree, which classifies 19 countries as “safe”, after a Rome court rejected the detention of the first 12 migrants at the new processing centre in Albania. Bologna judges have referred the decree to the European Court of Justice, asking how entire countries could be declared safe where there is evidence of the persecution of minorities.

Hackers infiltrate government: Italy was rocked by a major espionage scandal after hackers infiltrated the interior ministry’s database and compromised sensitive information on public figures, including President Mattarella. Authorities have implemented additional security measures to prevent unauthorised access, with Italian premier Giorgia Meloni warning that the situation poses a serious threat to Italian democracy.

Santanchè’s legal woes: Milan prosecutors issued a new request for Italian tourism Daniela Santanchè to stand trial for alleged accounting fraud at her former publishing company Visibilia. Santanchè, a prominent member of Meloni's right-wing Fratelli d'Italia party, faces accusations that she and 16 others were aware of alleged falsification of financial statements at the company. Santanchè sold her stake in Visibilia on becoming tourism minister two years ago. She denies all wrongdoing and has dimissed calls for her resignation.

Surrogacy case in Argentina: An Italian couple were prohibited from leaving Argentina with their surrogate and newborn baby after being stopped while attempting to travel to Paris. Police were reportedly focusing their investigation on an organisation that allegedly exploits women. The Italian government recently made it illegal for couples to go abroad to have a baby via surrogacy, classifying it as a universal crime and imposing maximum penalties of two years in jail and fines of €1 million.

General strike against budget: Two of Italy's main trade unions, CGIL and UIL, have called a national general strike on 29 November in response to the government's "inadequate" budget, claiming they were excluded from budget discussions. The unions have demanded salary and pension increases and more spending on healthcare, education, public services and industrial policies. Italy’s other main union, Cisl, has chosen not to participate in the general strike.

Italy's main news headlines from 19-25 October 2024.

Francesco Spano resignation and MAXXI: Francesco Spano, chief of cabinet to Italy’s culture minister Alessandro Giuli, resigned following allegations of a conflict of interest. The issue centres on Spano’s husband, Marco Carnabuci, who received a post at MAXXI during Giuli's tenure as director, although his collaboration began under former director Giovanna Melandri. Giuli condemned the "barbaric climate" around the case and downplayed reports of allegedly damaging revelations concerning him as part of the Report TV programme set to be aired on Sunday.

El Alamein controversy: The Italian government faced a backlash over a social media post by the defence ministry commemorating the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein. The post praised the Italian soldiers who fought alongside Nazi Germany in the North African campaign during the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini. In the post, the defence ministry stated that Italian troops had "sacrificed their lives for our freedom" and described the defeat as "heroic and tragic".

Migration decree: President Mattarella signed a migrant repatriation decree passed by Italy's government to overcome court objections to its controversial immigration plan in Albania. The decree, which classifies 19 countries including Bangladesh and Egypt as “safe”, followed the rejection by a Rome court of the detention of the first 12 migrants at the new processing centre in Albania. The court had made the ruling on the grounds that the migrants, from Bangladesh and Egypt, did not come from safe countries.

Tensions between government and judiciary: Meloni continues to clash with sections of the Italian judiciary over immigration policies, particularly in relation to the Italy-Albania protocol. She defended the policy as necessary, claiming some judges disrespect the popular vote. Deputy premier Matteo Salvini called for the resignation of magistrates he views as biased against the government.

Supreme Defence Council: Italy’s Supreme Defence Council, led by President Mattarella, emphasised the importance of reinforcing peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The council condemned Israeli attacks on UNIFIL bases, where Italy has around 1,000 soldiers stationed, and raised concerns about a "grave and unacceptable" resurgence of anti-Semitism.

US raises concerns about Italy's surrogacy law: The US state department has voiced concerns over Italy’s new law making surrogacy a universal crime, La Repubblica reports, particuarly regarding the fate of American children born through surrogacy, the impact on families, and LGBTQ+ rights.

G7 Development Meeting: Italy’s G7 Development meeting in Pescara focused on peace in the Middle East, with representatives of the Lebanese and Israeli governments and the Palestinian Authority. Foreign minister and deputy premier Antonio Tajani pledged €25 million in humanitarian aid for Lebanon and Gaza.

Emilia-Romagna floods: Following severe floods in Emilia Romagna, the regional government requested urgent assistance as damage estimates reach €200 million. At least 3,000 people were displaced after being evacuated from their homes, and a 20-year-old man was killed after his car was swept away by the flood waters.

Venice entry fee: Venice is to extend its contested day-tripper entry fee system in 2025 in an effort to tackle overtourism. The €5 entry ticket, launched on 29 days earlier this year, will be in effect on 54 days next year and will be hiked to €10 for last-minute bookings.

Italy's main news headlines from 12-18 October 2024.

Surrogacy as a universal crime: Italy makes it illegal for couples to go abroad to have a baby via surrogacy after the senate voted in favour of a bill making surrogacy a universal crime. The new legislation, viewed by critics as a government crackdown on LGBT couples, carries penalties of up to two years in jail and fines of up to €1 million. Italian premier Giorgia Meloni hailed the law as a "common sense rule against the commodification of the female body and children".

Migrants and Albania: Italy opens two migrant centres in Albania to process male migrants rescued at sea by Italian authorities, amid strong criticism from human rights groups. The first 16 migrants - 10 from Bangladesh and six from Egypt - were taken to the controversial centres on an Italian navy ship however four were promptly sent back to Italy: two were minors and two had health problems.

Middle East and Italy’s position: In a speech to the Italian senate Meloni condemned Israel’s recent attacks on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. She confirmed that she will travel to Lebanon and Jordan, and said that foreign minister Antonio Tajani is preparing to go to Israel and Palestine next week.

Stellantis and automotive workers strike: Italian automakers staged a national strike and a demonstration in Rome to oppose job cuts and demand a relaunch of the struggling automotive industry as the Stellantis automaker group comes under pressure from Meloni's government to clarify its production plans in Italy.

Rome incinerator: Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri presented plans to build a billion-euro incinerator to tackle the city's garbage disposal problems. The giant waste-to-energy facility, designed to treat 600,000 tons of rubbish a year, is to be built south of the capital and is projected to generate enough energy to power 200,000 homes.

Medical school access reform: Italy is set to scrap entrance exams for medical school applicants, granting free access to the first semester after which students who complete all tests will be evaluated. The cabinet hopes to introduce the reforms, which also apply to dentistry and veterinary medicine, in time for the 2025-2026 academic year, pending parliamentary approval.

Italy's main news headlines from 5-11 October 2024.

Italy protests to Israel: The Italian government protested to Israel after the headquarters of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission and two Italian bases in Lebanon were attacked by Israeli forces. Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto summoned Israel's ambassador in Rome and said the attack was "not a mistake and not an accident", and that it “could constitute a war crime".

Zelensky in Rome: Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky met Italian premier Giorgia Meloni for talks in Rome as part of a European tour aimed at securing more Western support before the US election. Zelensky was also received by Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Italy opens migrant reception centres in Albania: Italy opens two reception centres built in Albania to take in male migrants rescued in international waters while trying to cross from Africa to Europe. The controversial deal between Italy and Albania, signed in November by Meloni and her Albanian counterpart Edi Rama, has been strongly criticised by human rights groups.

Russian arrest warrants for Italian reporters: A Russian court issued arrest warrants for two Italian journalists, Stefania Battistini and Simone Traini, accused of illegally crossing the border between Ukraine and Russia's Kursk region in August. Italy's foreign minister and deputy premier Antonio Tajani condemned Russia's move against the RAI journalists as "persecution against freedom of the press".

Bank data breach scandal: An Intesa Sanpaolo bank employee was fired after accessing private accounts of high-profile politicians, including Meloni and senate leader Ignazio La Russa. The data breach sparked outrage over privacy violations and fears of political manipulation, prompting calls for stronger privacy regulations.

Imam expulsion: Bologna-based Imam Zulfikar Khan was expelled from Italy, following an order signed by interior minister Matteo Piantedosi, after voicing support for Hamas.

Naples reacts to art installation: A monumental outdoor art installation in Naples caused anger and amusement over its "phallic" appearance. The city's mayor Gaetano Manfredi defended the 12-metre-high work, by the late artist Gaetano Pesce, saying that contemporary art should be the subject of discussion.

Italy's main news headlines from 28 September - 4 October 2024.

Train chaos in Italy: A nationwide train disruption, caused by an electrical fault in Rome, led to calls for the resignation of transport minister Salvini who shifted blame to operational mistakes by a private company. The country's rail network faced further disruption after a railway worker was killed after being hit by a train on the Bologna-Venice line.

Centre-left political divide: Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Partito Democratico (PD), urges her party to focus on regional elections, as tensions rise with Giuseppe Conte, leader of the populist Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S), who pulls away from the “campo largo” (broad field) coalition.

Migration decree: Italy approved a new migration policy that will offer an extra 10,000 migrant work visas in 2025 for caregivers to the elderly and the disabled, while bringing in stricter measures against illegal immigration.

Milan football mafia probe: Milan police arrested 19 hardcore "ultra" soccer fans, many of whom are suspected of having links with the 'Ndrangheta mafia, on charges of extortion and other crimes. Those arrested included high-profile fans linked to the Inter Milan and AC Milan clubs.

Cybersecurity breach: Police arrested a 24-year-old Italian man on suspicion of hacking the computer systems of Italy's justice ministry and allegedly gaining access to highly sensitive judicial records.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations: Despite a ban on pro-Palestinian rallies from taking place in Rome on 5 October,  unauthorised protests may still go ahead in the Italian capital.

Italian-Swiss border shift: Italy and Switzerland redraw part of their shared border in the Alps, forced by melting glaciers that, along with vast snowfields, define large sections of the territorial boundary.

Italy's main news headlines from 21-27 September 2024.

Citizenship referendum: A petition in Italy calling for a referendum to make it easier for foreigners to claim Italian citizenship reached the half a million signatures needed to trigger a public vote. The proposed referendum aims to reduce from 10 to five the number of years of continual legal residence in Italy required to apply for Italian citizenship which, once obtained, would automatically be passed on to the citizen's children. The move has faced opposition including from Italy’s right-wing premier Giorgia Meloni who said she saw “no need” to change the current citizenship system. Before the referendum can go ahead it first has to be passed by the court of cassation and the constitutional court.

Security decree sparks controversy: A new security bill passed by the parliament was at the centre of protests over claims that it is unduly harsh on migrants and climate activists. The bill includes prison sentences and steep fines for those who block roads or railways and gives authorities more powers to monitor prisons and pre-deportation migration detention centres, with jail terms for riots and passive protests. The bill, launched by interior minister Matteo Piantedosi, will need to be passed by the senate before becoming law.

Filippo Turetta trial: The trial of Filippo Turetta, an engineering student who confessed to the brutal murder of his former girlfriend Giulia Cecchettin last November, got underway in Venice. The killing of Cecchettin, 22, sparked a national debate on femicide in Italy. The verdict in Turetta's trial is expected to be handed down on 3 December.

Civil agricultural service: Italy's agriculture minister Francesco Lollobrigida announced the upcoming launch of a civil agricultural service, describing it as an opportunity for young people to serve their country through working on farms. Lollobrigida, who made the announcement at the opening of the G7 Agriculture Summit in Ortigia, denied that the service was a form of conscription.

Meloni defends US trip: On returning from her trip to New York, Meloni defended herself against accusations of siding Italy with the US Republican party due to her strong relationship with Elon Musk, one of Donald Trump's biggest supporters, amid claims that Italy's relations with the US could be strained if Kamala Harris wins the presidential race. Musk, who presented Meloni with the Atlantic Council Award, denied any "romantic relationship" with the Italian premier.

Regional autonomy: Elly Schlein, the leader of the centre-left Partito Democratico (PD), presented the court of cassation with more than one million signatures collected in favour of a referendum to repeal a law on differentiated regional autonomy which critics say will widen the north-south gap and lead to poorer public services in the south.

Centro Popolare: After departing from the centrist Azione over the decision by party leader Carlo Calenda to join the centre-left alliance for regional elections, Mariastella Gelmini, Mara Carfagna and Giusy Versace have launched a new association called Centro Popolare. This group will federate with Maurizio Lupi's Noi Moderati.

Opposition divisions: The gap between the PD and the populist Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S) in the campo largo or “broad field” is widening. The M5S opposes an alliance with Matteo Renzi's centrist Italia Viva for the regional elections in Liguria, is against sending weapons to Kiev, and remains neutral between Trump and Harris in the American elections. The M5S did not campaign for the citizenship referendum and did not join the PD in boycotting the vote for the renewal of top management at the state broadcaster RAI.

Pontida rally: Hungary's prime minister Viktor Orbán and Geert Wilders, the leader of the Dutch far-right Party for Freedom, are set to attend the Pontida rally organised by the right-wing Lega party of Italy's deputy premier Matteo Salvini. Orbán and Wilders both expressed their support for Salvini who risks a six-year jail term on charges of abduction and refusal to perform official duties, for his role in preventing the landing in Italy of 147 migrants rescued by the NGO Open Arms five years ago.

Emilia-Romagna flood emergency: Irene Priolo, the interim governor of Emilia-Romagna, has been appointed as the region's commissioner for the emergency caused by the recent devastating floods. Meloni's cabinet declared a state of emergency in Emilia-Romagna and Marche following the extreme weather and approved an initial allocation of €20 million in aid for the former region and €4 million for the latter.

Secret files on sunken yacht: Watertight safes aboard the Bayesian superyacht, which sank last month killing seven people including billionaire UK tech tycoon Mike Lynch, may contain top-secret files and confidential information of interest to both Russia and China, CNN reported.

Italy's main news headlines from 14-20 September 2024.

Emilia-Romagna Floods: Heavy rains have caused rivers to overflow in the northeastern Emilia-Romagna region, with more than 1,000 people evacuated from their homes. The flooding was particularly serious in the provinces of Ravenna and Forlì, which had already faced severe floods in May 2023. The storm extended into the neighbouring Marche region, leading to the closure of schools.

Italy hosts G7 Culture Summit in Naples: Italy's new culture minister Alessandro Giuli will host the Group of Seven (G7) Culture Summit in Naples on 20-21 September, with events in Pompeii including a performance by tenor Andrea Bocelli. Topics to be addressed include support for Ukraine's cultural heritage, the impact of artificial intelligence on the creative industries, combatting the illegal trafficking of works of art, and managing the effects of climate change on cultural heritage.

Salvini risks six years in Open Arms trial: Prosecutors in Palermo requested a six-year jail sentence for Italy's former interior minister and current deputy premier Matteo Salvini on charges of abduction and refusal to perform official duties, for his role in preventing the landing in Italy of 147 migrants rescued by the NGO Open Arms five years ago. Salvini received support from Meloni and his government colleagues, while the right-wing Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban hailed him as "Europe's bravest patriot".

Italy's Fitto gets key EU post: Meloni welcomed the appointment of Italy's Raffaele Fitto to executive vice president in the next European Commission, hailing it as proof of Rome's influence within the European Union. Fitto, a member of Meloni's right-ring Fratelli d'Italia party, be in charge of "cohesion and reforms". His appointment sparked concerns however among centre-left lawmakers.

Meloni-Draghi meeting: Meloni and former premier Mario Draghi met at Palazzo Chigi to discuss key priorities such as innovation, demographic challenges and control over value chains. Central to the talks was Draghi’s report on the future of European competitiveness.

Italy's 1990 World Cup hero Totò Schillaci dies: Tributes flooded in for Salvatore "Toto" Schillaci, the Italian footballer best known for his legendary performance in the 1990 World Cup, who died in hospital in Sicily aged 59 after a battle with colon cancer. Schillaci, who played for Juventus and Inter Milan, was the top scorer in Italia '90, making him a national hero.

Calenda's Azione party shrinks: Mariastella Gelmini and Mara Carfagna were among several MPs who abandoned the centrist Azione party, attributing their departure to the decision by party leader Carlo Calenda to join the centre-left alliance for regional elections.

Italy pays tribute to Sophia Loren: Oscar-winning Italian actress Sophia Loren, one of the last stars of Hollywood's Golden Age, will mark her 90th birthday with a gala event and a party in Rome where she will be honoured by Italy's culture ministry and Cinecittà film studios.

Italy's main news headlines from 13-19 September 2024.

Sangiuliano under investigation: Former culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, who resigned last week after becoming embroiled in a scandal over an unpaid advisor role for his alleged former mistress Maria Rosaria Boccia, faces two separate investigations. The Rome prosecutor's office is investigating him for misappropriation of public funds and disclosure of confidential documents, while a probe by the audit court of Lazio will focus on Sangiuliano’s attendance with Boccia at state-funded events, as well as examining if Boccia had access to confidential documents.

G7 labour meeting: The Group of Seven (G7) Ministers’ Meeting on Labour and Employment, is being held in Cagliari on 11-13 September as part of Italy's G7 presidency. The three main topics up for discussion at the meeting, led by Italy’s labour minister Marina Calderone, are: a human-centered development and use of artificial intelligence in the world of work; resilient labour markets in ageing societies; and responsive, flexible and inclusive skills and lifelong learning policies and systems.

Italy prepares for G7 Culture Summit: Italy is preparing to host the G7 Culture Summit in Naples from 20-21 September, with events scheduled to take place in Pompeii. The summit will be hosted by Italy's new culture minister Alessandro Giuli, who was sworn in last week after his predecessor Gennaro Sangiuliano resigned amid the fallout from the affair scandal.

Liguria elections: The leaders of the ruling coalition announced Genoa mayor Marco Bucci as the centre-right candidate in the race for Liguria governor. The regional elections, called after the resignation of former governor Giovanni Toti in the wake of a corruption investigation, are scheduled to be held on 27-28 October. Bucci's main rival in the race is the centre-left candidate, former justice minister Andrea Orlando.

Rachele Mussolini quits Fratelli d'Italia: A granddaughter of Italy's wartime dictator Benito Mussolini has swapped the right-wing Fratelli d'Italia party of premier Giorgia Meloni for the centre-right Forza Italia. Rachele Mussolini, a city councillor in Rome, said the move was due to her more liberal stance on issues such as abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, claiming that Meloni's party was too rightwing.

Trevi Fountain tickets: Debate continues over Rome's plan to introduce a ticketing system at the Trevi Fountain, which would require visitors to book a 30-minute time slot for a €2 entry fee. Rome tourism councillor Alessandro Onorato said that under the draft plans the piazza around the fountain "would stay open and free", while the reservation and entry fee would concern the steps leading down to the monument. Onorato said there would be no charge for Rome residents and that the ticketing system should be operational in time for the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025  when the Eternal City is set to welcome 32 million tourists and pilgrims.

Rome bus fares: Authorities in Rome and the Lazio region met with trade unions to discuss a proposed fare hike on Rome's buses, trams and subways. The talks followed a request from Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri to the Lazio region, which controls ticket prices on the capital's public transport network, citing a budget shortfall of €22 million to renew the service contract with municipal public transport company ATAC for 2025-2027. Under the proposed fare hike, the 100-minute €1.50 ticket would rise to €2. During this week's talks, one proposal from unions was to raise the fare to €2.50 for tourists and keep it unchanged for locals.

Clio Napolitano dies: Clio Napolitano, the widow of former President Giorgio Napolitano, died in Rome at the age of 89. Giorgio Napolitano, who served as president of Italy from 2006 until 2015, died last September aged 98.

Italy's main news headlines from 31 August-6 September 2024.

Sangiuliano-Boccia case: Culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano admits to an affair with influencer and fashion entrepreneur Maria Rosaria Boccia but denies any misuse of public funds, in a controversy that has dominated news headlines in Italy for a week. The minister said he blocked Boccia's nomination to avoid conflicts of interest and is willing to step down if asked by prime minister Giorgia Meloni who has so far rejected his resignation. Boccia contests his statements, while opposition parties demand Sangiuliano to give an explanation in parliament.

Beach concessions extension: Meloni's government has approved an extension of lucrative beach concessions until September 2027 after negotiating with the European Union, in a long-running standoff over private beach bars and clubs. The EU has been exerting pressure on Italy to free up the market for beach club licences which, although state-owned, are traditionally controlled by families who pass the concession from one generation to the next. The government's draft decree puts an end to automatic renewal of beach concessions in 2027. European Commission spokesperson Eric Mamer described the move as "an important step in the right direction" but warned that an infringement procedure against Italy for breaching EU law in its handling of beach concessions will be closed only when Italian legislation is "fully in line with EU law".

Migration tragedy at sea: A migrant boat capsized off the island of Lampedusa, with 21 people, including three children, missing. Seven survivors, all male Syrian nationals, were rescued after being adrift for three days. The head of UNHCR Italy, Chiara Cardoletti, wrote on X that the survivors were in critical condition and many of them had lost family members at sea.

Back to school: Schools in Italy are reopening with a staggered schedule from 5 to 16 September, depending on the region, with some seven million students returning to the classroom. The first schools to open were in Bolzano, with the last to open in the regions of Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Liguria, Puglia and Tuscany.

Rome's plan for Trevi Fountain tickets: Rome tourism authorities have floated plans to introduce a ticketing system at the Trevi Fountain, requiring visitors to book in advance. Under the draft plans, tourists would pay €2 for a 30-minute time slot, while there would be no charge for Rome residents.

Italy's main news headlines from 23-30 August 2024.

Government coalition leaders meet amid rising tensions: Leaders from the government coalition convene to discuss the upcoming budget as well as formalising appointments for the EU Commissioner and within state broadcaster RAI. Tensions within the coalition are evident, with deputy premier and Lega leader Matteo Salvini criticising the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) and Pope Francis for challenging the government's proposals on migration and greater regional autonomy.

Regional elections: As regional elections approach, pressure is mounting within the centre-left to finalise candidate selections, with Partito Democratico (PD) leader Elly Schlein set to play a key role. Antonio Tajani, leader of the centre-right Forza Italia (FI), part of the ruling coalition, announced his party’s plan to contest the Veneto region with candidate Flavio Tosi. Meanwhile competition emerges between different political factions in Liguria in the race to elect a new governor following the resignation in July of Giovanni Toti in the wake of a corruption investigation.

Regional autonomy and ius scholae spark political debates: The opposition is pushing for parliament to discuss the ius scholae bill, which would allow children of residents to acquire Italian citizenship after completing formal education in Italy. Earlier this summer FI leader Tajani reginited the debate, highlighting divisions within the coalition. Salvini said it was "not a priority" while Meloni has remained silent on the matter. Meanwhile the debate over regional autonomy continues, with the southern Campania region appealing to the constitutional court against the law which critics say would widen the north-south gap and lead to poorer public services in the south. Attilio Fontana, the Lega governor of the northern Lombardia region around Milan, has expressed frustration with FI's stance on regional autonomy, indicating that Lombardy will proceed with autonomy measures without delay.

Severe weather hits Campania: Rescuers in the Campania region were searching for two people reported missing in the wake of a severe storm. Northern regions of Italy were also hit by extreme bad weather, with flooding in Milan's Malpensa airport and damage caused to cars and property by huge hailstones in Brescia.

Venice Film Festival kicks off with star-studded red carpet: The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival got underway, with a return of top movie stars after last year's strikes in Hollywood kept A-listers away from the world's oldest film festival. The celebrity guests gracing the red carpet at the 10-day festival include George Clooney, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman.

Italy's main news headlines from 2-9 August 2024.

Prison decree becomes law: The Italian parliament approved a law to tackle chronic overcrowding and understaffing in the country's jails where 65 inmates have taken their own lives so far this year. The decree has sparked a political debate, with critics claiming the reforms don't go far enough to address the problems in Italy's prisons.

Beach establishments strike: Owners of beach concessions went on strike on Friday, accusing the government of inaction as their concessions are set to expire at the end of this year. The European Union is exerting pressure on Italy to free up the market for beach club licences which, although state-owned, are traditionally controlled by families who pass the concession from one generation to the next.

Italy appoints blue crab commissioner: The government appointed a special commissioner to address the e