Train Conductors to Wear Bodycams to Combat Aggression
In a bid to combat assaults on train conductors, the personnel of regional trains in five Italian regions will soon be equipped with bodycams. This marks the second phase of a trial that started a year ago in Emilia-Romagna, initially involving FS Security staff, a branch of Ferrovie dello Stato (FS). The trial will last four months, and during this period, FS Security staff will escort conductors while wearing the cameras. From mid-2025, conductors themselves will begin wearing the cameras in additional regions. The bodycams serve a dual purpose: to deter potential aggressors and to record incidents of violence for police use. The cameras are activated by the staff only in case of danger and are encrypted to ensure only authorized personnel can view the footage. According to FS Security, reports of assaults on railway staff decreased in 2024, with a significant drop in 2025.
CDU Wins German Elections, Faces Challenges in Coalition Talks
On Wednesday, the center-right CDU won the German parliamentary elections with 28.5% of the vote, and its leader Friedrich Merz is set to become the next chancellor. However, the path to forming a coalition remains uncertain, with Merz likely seeking an alliance with the Social Democrats (SPD). The CDU-CSU coalition secured 208 seats in the Bundestag, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved its best result ever, gaining 152 seats with 20.8% of the vote. Voter turnout reached 82.5%, the highest since reunification in 1990. Despite the SPD’s loss, SPD leader Olaf Scholz took responsibility for the defeat and announced he wouldn’t participate in coalition talks or the potential Merz government. The Greens secured 11.6%, and Die Linke, which doubled its previous result, gained 8.8%. The most probable future scenario involves a CDU-CSU and SPD alliance, but challenges persist due to contrasting political agendas.
Abruzzo to Expand Pescara Airport with Ryanair’s Support
The Abruzzo region is working to expand Pescara Airport by increasing its routes and destinations, with plans to connect it to Rome, about 200 km away. President Marco Marsilio aims to make Pescara the third airport of Rome. Starting in summer 2025, Ryanair will base a new aircraft at Pescara, adding 950 jobs and introducing five new routes, boosting the airport’s traffic by 30%. The decision to expand follows Ryanair’s dissatisfaction with conditions at Rome’s Ciampino Airport, alongside the region’s move to abolish the additional municipal passenger tax, which could make Pescara more competitive. This move has prompted Ryanair to invest further in Pescara, while reducing investments at Rome’s airports due to the tax hikes. Ryanair’s commitment highlights the impact of the tax policy on airport growth, with the company targeting Calabria, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and now Abruzzo for expansion.
Saipem and Subsea7 Merge to Form Saipem7
Italian engineering giant Saipem has agreed to merge with Norwegian company Subsea7, creating a new entity called Saipem7. The merger will combine leadership from both companies, with the new headquarters located in Milan and the company listed on both the Milan and Oslo stock exchanges. The move has been well-received by investors and Italian Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti. Following the merger, Saipem’s current major shareholders, ENI and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, will see their stakes reduced to 10% and 6%, respectively.
Public Transport and Airport Strikes Expected in Italy on February 24
On Monday, February 24, the USB union has called for a 24-hour strike in local public transport, potentially causing disruptions in various cities. In Milan, ATM announced possible interruptions on metro, bus, and tram lines between 8:45 AM and 3:00 PM, and from 6:00 PM until the end of service. In Rome, ATAC warned of service disruptions from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and after 8:00 PM. The strike is in response to demands for the renewal of the national contract, amidst rising inflation. Additionally, airports may experience disruptions as unions Anpac, Filt-CGIL, and Uilt-UIL announced a four-hour strike from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, affecting Aeroitalia and EasyJet staff and pilots.
