Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè Faces Trial Amid Controversy
Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè, who is set to stand trial for alleged false accounting related to the Visibilia case, stated, “I am a party woman, and if my Prime Minister asked me to resign, I would not hesitate.” In response to media reports misrepresenting her statements, she expressed disbelief at the “fantastical” claims made by some national newspapers and emphasized that she possesses a recording that proves her innocence, asserting she never dismissed her party. Criticism also came from M5S leader Giuseppe Conte, who accused Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of maintaining an “amichettismo” (nepotism) culture by supporting Santanchè, despite her legal troubles, calling for her to face a confidence motion in Parliament. Conte highlighted the disconnect between government actions and the struggles of ordinary Italians.
Italian Patrol Boat Cassiopea Lands 49 Migrants in Albania
This morning at approximately 7:30 AM, the patrol boat Cassiopea arrived at the port of Shengjin, carrying 49 migrants rescued off the coast of Lampedusa. This is the third landing in Albania following previous arrivals on October 16 and November 8. In response to these events, the Albanian government has altered various aspects of its expedited border procedures. Notably, the assessment of whether a migrant is vulnerable will now be conducted by mediators appointed by Italian authorities, rather than those from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), whose contract expired on January 10 and has not yet been renewed. The migrants, originating from countries including Gambia, Egypt, Bangladesh, and Ivory Coast, will be transferred to the Gjader center for hearings to determine their detention validity based on their vulnerability. Furthermore, the new government directive stipulates that appellate courts, rather than immigration sections of tribunals, will now make these decisions.
Lombardy League Proposes Ban on Islamic Veils in Public Offices
The Lombardy League, driven by the national League, has proposed a crackdown on Islamic veils, particularly the niqab and burqa, in public offices across the region. During a press conference at Palazzo Pirelli, attended by Europarliament member Silvia Sardone and deputy Igor Iezzi, the party revived a 2015 measure that previously restricted such accessories only within regional buildings, now aiming to extend the ban to all public places, starting with schools. “Burqa and niqab are instruments of oppression against women that we cannot tolerate,” emphasized League group leader Alessandro Corbetta. The proposal will be discussed in the regional council, with calls to extend the ban to schools to protect underage students. Iezzi stated that this initiative aligns with rulings from the European Court of Human Rights in favor of similar bans in countries like France and Belgium, urging a change in Italian legislation while calling on the opposition to uphold women’s rights.
Coca-Cola Faces Product Recall in Europe Due to High Chlorate Levels
Coca-Cola, a staple soft drink for generations, is facing a major recall across several European countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, France, and Luxembourg, due to elevated levels of chlorate found in its cans and bottles. The European bottler announced the recall, affecting not only Coca-Cola but also other brands like Sprite, Fanta, and Minute Maid, with products distributed since late November being pulled from shelves. While the exact quantity of affected products is unspecified, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Belgium confirmed it is substantial. The company has urged consumers to avoid these products and has implemented measures to remove them from stores, offering refunds for any returned items. Chlorate, a substance that can disrupt iodine absorption and potentially harm metabolic functions, poses health risks, particularly to children, though the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers long-term exposure unlikely to exceed safety levels for most consumers.
Severe Weather Alert Continues in Liguria Amid Flooding and Landslides
As the sun shines over Genoa, a red weather alert remains in effect in Liguria until 2 PM for medium and large basins in the eastern region, following widespread flooding, landslides, and mudslides overnight. A significant landslide on State Road 35 near Busalla knocked down a high-voltage pole, injuring a driver; traffic has been rerouted to the A7 highway. In Orero, a fallen streetlight pole temporarily isolated four families, leading to six evacuations and a road closure. The Aurelia road in Borghetto Vara is still closed, and localized disruptions are reported in the city, including a collapsed wall in Genoa. Strong winds reached 137.5 km/h in Casoni di Suvero, and heavy rainfall of 272.8 mm was recorded in Cichero within 24 hours. The Civil Protection Department has issued further alerts for severe weather across multiple regions, predicting continued heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
