Italian Leaders Honor Foibe Victims on Remembrance Day
On the Day of Remembrance, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute to the victims of the foibe massacres and the Istrian, Fiuman, and Dalmatian exodus, calling it a painful chapter of Italian history that has long been forgotten. Meloni emphasized that remembering is a duty of truth and justice to honor those who suffered and to pass on this memory to future generations. Similarly, Chamber of Deputies President Lorenzo Fontana highlighted the collective responsibility to remember the injustices suffered by Italians under communist dictatorship and Titina violence, expressing gratitude to those who have kept the memory alive. Minister for Reforms Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati called the foibe massacres a dark page of Italy’s past, stressing that memory must be free from political bias and serve as a reminder for a future built on justice, peace, and mutual respect.
Debate on Motion of No Confidence Against Minister Santanché Ends in Tension
The debate on the motion of no confidence against Tourism Minister Daniela Santanché concluded in the Chamber of Deputies, with Santanché leaving the hall immediately after the final intervention without responding, as required by parliamentary rules. This led to shouts of “Shame!” from M5S members. The absence of many majority members, particularly from Forza Italia, Lega, and Noi Moderati, was highlighted by opposition MPs, who argued that it reflected division within the government. Among the few present in support of Santanché were ministers Nello Musumeci and Luca Ciriani, and Undersecretary Vannia Gava. Opposition MPs criticized her for the lack of response and attendance, with some calling for the Prime Minister to step in. The vote on the motion will take place in a separate session. Meanwhile, political leaders like Matteo Salvini and Carlo Calenda expressed their positions, with Salvini dismissing the need for resignation and Calenda predicting the motion would be rejected, reinforcing the government’s strength.
Satispay to Introduce 1% Fee on Payments Under 10 Euros for Merchants
Starting April 7, popular smartphone payment service Satispay will introduce a 1% commission fee on in-store payments under 10 euros, which were previously exempt. The fee will be charged to merchants, not users, who will still be able to use the service for free. Satispay informed many merchants of this change in recent weeks, which was reported by Il Sole 24 Ore on February 10. Alberto Dalmasso, one of the company’s founders, explained that the company initially avoided such fees to encourage a shift in Italians’ payment habits. The app is particularly popular among small business owners who previously found bank charges on electronic payments too high for small amounts, making them less appealing. Despite the change, Dalmasso noted that merchants are generally open to electronic payments, but still aim to attract more customers.
Elena Dellepiane, Italy’s Only Case of Rare Genetic Disease, Passes Away at 18
Elena Dellepiane, the 18-year-old girl from Italy suffering from the rare genetic condition Nubpl, passed away at Genoa’s Gaslini Hospital. Elena’s mother, Andreea Porcilescu, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, describing her daughter as someone who faced life with a smile despite her debilitating illness. Nubpl, a degenerative mitochondrial disease, affects only 25 people worldwide, with Elena being the sole case in Italy. In her social media posts, Andreea thanked the hospital staff and the supportive friends who stood by them during this painful time. Elena, initially given only a few years to live after her diagnosis, defied the odds, reaching adulthood, studying human sciences, and pursuing her dream of becoming a fashion designer.
Ten Doctors Investigated in Brescia for Infant’s Death During Childbirth, One Takes Own Life
The Brescia Public Prosecutor’s Office has placed ten doctors under investigation in connection with the death of an infant during childbirth at Desenzano Hospital in late January. The tragedy affected an Eastern European family. Additionally, one of the doctors involved in the case took his own life three days later by jumping from a bridge in Trento. The local Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into his death, though no notes were left to explain his actions.
