Tourism Minister Santanchè Defends Herself Amid No-Confidence Vote
On Tuesday, Italian Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè delivered a passionate speech before the Chamber of Deputies, ahead of a no-confidence motion presented by the 5-Star Movement and supported by the Democratic Party and Green-Left Alliance. The motion was ultimately rejected, with 134 votes in favor, 206 against, and one abstention. During her speech, Santanchè made impassioned remarks, discussing her physical appearance and expressing regret for past calls for other ministers’ resignations. She defended her involvement with high-profile businesses like the Twiga beach club and Flavio Briatore’s Billionaire nightclub, highlighting their role in providing jobs. Santanchè also responded to personal attacks, including from Francesca Pascale, and reaffirmed her pride in her lifestyle. Despite ongoing opposition calls for her resignation due to ongoing legal issues tied to her previous business career, Santanchè announced she would reconsider stepping down after a March court hearing.
Italian Police Union Raises Alarm Over Pay Delays and Mismanagement in Albanian Migration Centers
The Italian police union, CGIL, has raised concerns over the dire economic situation facing officers deployed to migrant centers in Gjader and Shengjin, Albania. The union reports severe delays in mission payments, some dating back to August 2024, and issues surrounding unpaid overtime and unimplemented labor contracts for 2022-2024. Despite the media portrayal of these missions as “paid vacations,” officers are struggling financially, forced to cover significant expenses without guaranteed reimbursements. Union leader Pietro Colapietro condemned the situation, calling it “unacceptable” and demanding immediate action from the Department of Public Safety. The controversy extends to the inflated costs of housing for police officers, with nearly €9 million annually allocated for accommodations at luxury hotels, while prison officers are left in less favorable conditions.
Italy’s Health System Shows Improvement in Hospital Care, Struggles with Prevention and Local Care
In 2023, 13 Italian regions and autonomous provinces met the minimum standards for healthcare services, including prevention, district care, and hospital care, according to the Health Ministry’s monitoring report. However, four regions failed in two areas, while another four fell short in just one. The report, previewed by Il Sole 24 Ore, highlights overall improvement in hospital care but continuing challenges in prevention and local healthcare services. While regions like Veneto, Tuscany, and Emilia Romagna scored highest, Calabria, Valle d’Aosta, and Sicily ranked lowest. The report also reveals that while hospital services have improved nationwide, the pandemic’s impact on prevention persists, and the expected benefits from reforms in local care have yet to materialize.
Milan Prosecutor Investigates X for VAT Evasion of 12.5 Million Euros
The Milan prosecutor’s office is investigating the social network X for failing to pay 12.5 million euros in VAT (Value Added Tax) between 2016 and 2022. The investigation follows checks by the Guardia di Finanza, which concluded that the registration of users on X should be taxed because, while users can sign up for free, the company profits by accessing their personal data. This practice, known as “barter of different goods,” has led to the prosecutor’s opening of a case for tax evasion. X now has weeks to respond to the findings, as does Meta, which is also under investigation for not paying over 870 million euros in VAT.
Two Years After the Cutro Tragedy: Calls for Justice and Accountability
On the second anniversary of the deadly migrant shipwreck off the coast of Cutro, Calabria, which claimed 94 lives, including 35 children, calls for justice and accountability continue to reverberate. The tragedy occurred between February 25-26, 2023, when a boat carrying migrants sank, and despite prior reports, no timely rescue efforts were made. The families of the victims, survivors, and political figures like Elly Schlein, Ilaria Cucchi, and Laura Boldrini gathered to commemorate the lives lost and demand answers. As investigations and trials proceed, the public is still asking why proper rescue measures weren’t deployed and why the promises made to survivors have not been fulfilled. Activists continue to advocate for the protection of asylum rights and the safety of those attempting to seek refuge at sea.
