Giorgia Meloni Reflects on Leadership, Praises Elon Musk, and Comments on EU Politics
In an interview with 7, a supplement of Corriere della Sera, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reflected on her two-and-a-half-year term, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to national interests. Addressing her rapport with Elon Musk, she described him as a “brilliant innovator” and stressed the importance of dialogue despite differences. Meloni defended Musk against shifting public perceptions, rejecting politicized criticism. On EU politics, she praised Ursula von der Leyen for resisting leftist pressures, highlighting Italy’s enhanced role within the Commission. Commenting on Ukraine, Meloni aligned Italy’s stance with Donald Trump’s recent statements, advocating for a balance of power to achieve peace. Regarding her party’s symbol, she dismissed any plans to remove the historic flame.
Italy’s Public Deficit Shrinks, Household Purchasing Power Rises Amid Tax Increase
In Q3 2024, Italy’s public deficit-to-GDP ratio improved significantly, reaching -2.3% compared to -6.3% in the same period of 2023, according to ISTAT. The primary balance showed a 1.7% surplus, while the current balance rose to 1.9% of GDP. Household purchasing power continued to grow for the seventh consecutive quarter, with disposable income up by 0.6% and consumption increasing by 1.6%. However, the savings rate fell to 9.2%, down 0.8 percentage points from the previous quarter. Meanwhile, tax pressure rose to 40.5% of GDP, marking a 0.8-point increase year-on-year.
Italian Journalist Detained in Iran: Family Calls for Media Silence Amid Delicate Negotiations
The parents of Cecilia Sala, the Italian journalist detained in Iran, have requested a media blackout, emphasizing the sensitivity of the situation and warning that public debate could delay a resolution. The Italian government is reportedly engaging with U.S. authorities and holding high-level discussions, while Tehran has proposed a prisoner swap involving Mohammad Abedini, an Iranian engineer arrested in Italy. Abedini’s case will be reviewed by the Milan Court of Appeal on January 15, amid objections from prosecutors. Meanwhile, Italian Ambassador Paola Amadei continues diplomatic efforts in Tehran to secure Sala’s release.
Retired Magistrate Awarded €200,000 for Denied Reinstatement After Acquittal
Italy’s Council of State has ordered the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSM) and the Ministry of Justice to pay €200,000 in damages to retired magistrate Raffaele Marino. Marino, who was definitively acquitted in 2019 of charges related to aiding the Camorra, was not reinstated as deputy prosecutor in Torre Annunziata despite the court ruling. The CSM cited logistical and procedural barriers, but the Council of State rejected this stance, recognizing Marino’s right to compensation for the failure to restore his position.
Mussolini’s January 3, 1925 Speech: A Dictatorship Solidified
On January 3, 1925, Benito Mussolini addressed the Chamber of Deputies in a speech that marked the consolidation of fascism as a dictatorship in Italy. He assumed “political, moral, and historical responsibility” for the climate surrounding Giacomo Matteotti’s assassination but denied any material involvement. Matteotti, a vocal opponent of Mussolini’s regime, had been murdered after exposing electoral fraud and violence during the 1924 elections. In a bold and provocative stance, Mussolini challenged Parliament to hold him accountable before the High Court of Justice, while simultaneously signaling his intent to suppress dissent and tighten his grip on power.
Mussolini’s rise to dominance was built on a volatile foundation of post-World War I instability, economic strife, and social unrest. Through militarized squads, the fascists violently targeted political opponents, labor unions, and leftist organizations, gaining tacit support from segments of the bourgeoisie and state officials. The infamous March on Rome in 1922 capitalized on the liberal government’s fragility, leading to Mussolini’s appointment as Prime Minister despite minimal parliamentary representation. By 1925, backed by legalized fascist militias and a climate of fear, Mussolini’s regime silenced opposition, transforming the state into a totalitarian apparatus.
