Mattarella Warns Against Protectionism Threats to Italian Exports
President Sergio Mattarella addressed the 44th Forum on Olive Oil and Wine Culture in Rome, warning of rising protectionism that could harm key sectors like wine and olive oil. He emphasized that such measures, including market closures, would unfairly promote “Italian-sounding” products, damaging authentic Italian industries. Mattarella stressed the importance of open markets for fostering peace, pointing out that historically, trade barriers have led to conflict. He also acknowledged the success of Italian products in global markets, urging against nostalgic protectionist tendencies, and underscored that today’s food products are healthier and more regulated than ever.
Filippo Maria Pandolfi, Former Italian Minister and DC Leader, Dies at 97
Filippo Maria Pandolfi, the historic leader of the Christian Democracy party (DC) and former government minister, passed away on Saturday at the age of 97. Between 1974 and 1988, he held numerous government roles, including Minister of Treasury under Giulio Andreotti and Francesco Cossiga, and later Minister of Industry and Agriculture in the cabinets of Amintore Fanfani and Bettino Craxi. Born in Bergamo on November 1, 1927, Pandolfi was also a partisan and earned a philosophy degree in Milan. He is best known for the “Pandolfi Plan,” a complex economic program that facilitated Italy’s entry into the European Monetary System in the late 1970s, a precursor to the euro. After leaving his governmental roles, Pandolfi served as Vice President and Commissioner for Science and Research in the European Commission under Jacques Delors from 1989 to 1993.
Lewis Hamilton Wins First Race with Ferrari at Chinese GP Sprint
Lewis Hamilton, driving for Ferrari, won the 19-lap “sprint race” at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, marking his first victory since joining the team at the start of 2025. Starting from pole position, Hamilton dominated the mini race from the outset, finishing ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who started second but was overtaken late in the race. The win was a promising result for Ferrari, especially after a disappointing performance at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne the previous week. In the sprint, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fifth behind George Russell of Mercedes. The regular race will take place on Sunday, with qualifying scheduled for Saturday morning. The sprint race, part of a new format introduced in 2021, offers points for the top eight finishers, with Hamilton earning eight points for his victory.
Rome Cracks Down on Illegal Tourist Accommodations
Since March 2024, around 300 illegal tourist accommodations have been shut down in Rome following inspections by local authorities, with 30 of these uncovered in the first months of 2025. The crackdown comes as part of increased efforts to combat the spread of illegal structures that evade taxes and lack proper safety certifications. The checks, particularly intensified ahead of the 2025 Jubilee, have revealed widespread tax evasion, with 1,500 violations found out of 6,000 inspections, resulting in a 2 million euro loss for the city. In addition, issues such as unauthorized B&Bs operating like hotels and the improper use of key boxes have been addressed. New rules for short-term rentals are also being enforced, including the mandatory National Identification Code (CIN), to improve tracking and reduce illegal activity in the tourism sector.
Prosecutor Reopens Investigation into Mottarone Cable Car Tragedy
The Verbania prosecutor’s office has reopened the investigation into the deadly Mottarone cable car accident that occurred on May 23, 2021, when a cabin plummeted, killing 14 of the 15 passengers aboard. The investigation had been closed last year, with charges pressed against seven individuals, but in October, the Verbania court returned the case to the prosecutor, requesting modifications to the charges. As a result, the probe has been restarted, and five individuals are now under investigation, facing charges related to transport safety violations, manslaughter, and bodily harm. Notably, certain charges concerning workplace safety have been dropped, and Anton Seeber, the president of Leitner, the maintenance company, is no longer under investigation. Those under investigation include Luigi Nerini, head of Ferrovie del Mottarone, and other key figures from the company and Leitner, with some accused of falsification.
