Italian Magistrates Strike Against Judicial Reform Proposal
On February 27, Italy’s National Association of Magistrates (ANM) has called for a strike in protest of a proposed constitutional justice reform bill. The main point of contention is the so-called separation of careers for judges, which would distinguish between prosecuting magistrates (public prosecutors) and judges who deliver verdicts. The ANM argues that this reform risks compromising the judiciary’s autonomy and independence. To support their cause, magistrates will hold public assemblies and demonstrations in 29 cities, with notable events in Rome and Milan. The strike follows an extraordinary ANM assembly in December 2023 and is driven by concerns that the bill fails to address critical issues like inadequate funding, personnel shortages, or delays in trials. The reform, passed by the Chamber of Deputies in January, is currently under discussion in the Senate and may face a confirmatory referendum if not approved with a supermajority.
Exor to Sell 4% Stake in Ferrari for €3 Billion
Exor, the investment company of the Agnelli-Elkann family, has announced it will sell 4% of its stake in Ferrari, valued at approximately €3 billion. The sale will reduce Exor’s holding in Ferrari from 24.84% to 20.8%. Of the proceeds, €1 billion will be used for a share buyback program, while the remaining €2 billion will be reinvested in new acquisitions, although details are yet to be disclosed. Despite the sale, Exor will remain Ferrari’s largest shareholder, continuing to control the company alongside Piero Ferrari, son of the founder, who holds 10.56% of the shares and has been vice chairman since 1988.
Influenza and Pneumonia Surge in Italy as Experts Warn of Prolonged Illness
This year, Italy is experiencing an unprecedented spike in pneumonia cases, primarily due to a severe respiratory influenza strain, which is also putting hospitals under significant pressure with high rates of viral pneumonia hospitalizations. Virologist Matteo Bassetti described the flu as a “nasty beast,” noting that it often causes high fevers of 39°C for several days, sometimes up to ten, along with a persistent cough. While Bassetti confirmed that the peak of the flu may have passed, he cautioned that about a million people are still contracting it every week, indicating that the outbreak remains significant. He also highlighted that flu episodes, which previously lasted 3-4 days, are now extending up to 10 days. In a lighthearted comment, Bassetti noted that Italians are increasingly hesitant about vaccines, which he jokingly called their “number one problem.”
Animal Equality Urges Action on Chick Culling Law as Millions of Male Chicks Are Brutally Killed in Italy
Every year, over 30 million male chicks are brutally killed in Italy as part of the egg industry’s “normal cycle,” a practice that has sparked outrage from animal rights organization Animal Equality. The group is pushing the government to enforce a 2022 law that bans this practice, specifically urging ministers of Agriculture, Health, and Made in Italy to take action. Despite the law’s approval, key provisions are still pending, including the implementation of chick sexing technologies that could prevent the killing by identifying the gender of embryos. Animal Equality highlights that no funds have been allocated to support companies in transitioning to these humane methods. The organization’s campaign, which includes a projected message on the Colosseum urging immediate action, emphasizes that millions of chicks still face brutal deaths due to ongoing delays in enforcing the law, with a deadline for full implementation set for 2026.
Fatal Delays in Natisone River Rescue: A Mother’s Plea and Devastating Phone Calls
On May 31st, 2023, Patrizia Cormos, alongside her friend Bianca Doros and Bianca’s boyfriend Cristian Molnar, tragically died in the Natisone River in Premariacco, near Udine. As the three struggled in the rising water, Patrizia desperately called emergency services four times, pleading for help. In the heartbreaking phone recordings, which her mother Mihaela Tritean recently listened to, Patrizia repeatedly begged the operator for assistance as they awaited rescue. Despite her calls for an urgent response, she was put on hold for minutes at a time, while the operators, seemingly frustrated, asked her to send photos and videos of the situation. The rescue response was delayed, and during the crucial moments when the three lost their grip and were swept away by the current, it is believed that Cristian jumped into the water, followed by Bianca and Patrizia. The investigation into the delayed response, focusing on mismanagement of the helicopter rescue, has led to charges of manslaughter for four individuals. Mihaela Tritean, devastated by her daughter’s final moments, believes the tragedy could have been prevented with a more timely intervention.
