Von der Leyen Pushes for Stronger European Defense Amid Security Crisis
In a recent speech at the European Parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the urgency of a unified European defense in the wake of growing security threats. Highlighting the need for “peace through strength,” von der Leyen discussed the RearmEU initiative, which aims to mobilize up to 800 billion euros to boost defense spending across member states. She stressed that the EU’s current defense spending is insufficient, with national budgets needing to be mobilized to meet the 3% GDP target. The initiative includes a national safeguard clause and a new financial tool called SAFE, offering up to 150 billion euros in loans for strategic defense investments. Von der Leyen also proposed using unused cohesion funds for defense projects, further supporting the EU’s defense industry. She warned that Russia remains a hostile neighbor and that the EU must invest in its defense capabilities to maintain deterrence and safeguard peace.
Toti and Giampedrone Investigated for Fraud and Misuse of State Funds
Former Ligurian President Giovanni Toti and Regional Civil Protection Councillor Giacomo Giampedrone are under investigation for fraud and abuse of state funds. The case concerns a collaboration contract, later followed by employment, for the manager of a beach resort in Ameglia, Liguria, who allegedly never performed the tasks assigned to him. In return, Toti and Giampedrone reportedly accessed the resort for free. Giampedrone is also accused of falsifying records to secure undue production bonuses for the manager. The investigation, originally opened by the La Spezia prosecutor’s office, was transferred to Genoa for jurisdiction. It follows a broader corruption probe involving Toti, who had previously agreed to community service as part of a plea deal after being implicated in taking bribes.
Pope Francis’ Health Improves, Prognosis Lifted
The Vatican’s press office reported on Monday evening that Pope Francis’ health has significantly improved, allowing doctors at Rome’s Policlinico Gemelli to lift his prognosis. This means the medical team can now estimate the remaining days of hospitalization before his full recovery. However, the Vatican statement did not specify the exact duration of his continued stay, only noting that he will require ongoing medication for “several more days.” Sources from the Vatican’s Avvenire newspaper confirmed that the pope is “no longer in imminent danger of life.” Pope Francis has been hospitalized since February 14 due to a respiratory infection and bilateral pneumonia.
Major Operation Against Health System Fraud in Naples and Salerno
A large-scale operation is underway today involving the Carabinieri’s NAS in the provinces of Naples and Salerno. Approximately 300 military personnel are executing precautionary measures against 70 individuals, all severely suspected of being involved in a criminal organization focused on ideological and material forgery, corruption, and aggravated fraud against the National Health Service.
Journalist Giovanni Paoli, Son of Gino Paoli, Dies at 60
Giovanni Paoli, the 60-year-old journalist and son of renowned Italian singer-songwriter Gino Paoli, passed away on Friday at the coronary unit of Milan’s Niguarda Hospital after suffering a heart attack. Paoli, who worked for various publications including Mondadori and RCS, had recently shared personal stories about his father on his website, Dillingernews, marking Gino Paoli’s 90th birthday. He revealed intimate family moments, such as their love for cats and the discovery of his sister Amanda, born from Paoli’s relationship with actress Stefana Sandrelli. Giovanni leaves behind his partner and daughter, Olivia, as well as his siblings Nicolò, Tomaso, and Amanda.
