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Italy’s Senate Approves Meloni-Backed Electoral Reform Amid Opposition Fury

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Italy’s Senate approved a controversial electoral reform on Tuesday, backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s conservative coalition, despite strong opposition criticism. The proposed system would use fully proportional representation while granting a parliamentary majority to any alliance that wins more than 42% of the vote. The measure passed by 113 votes to 71 but still requires final approval from the lower house.

Meloni’s coalition says the reform would bring greater political stability to Italy, which has experienced frequent changes of government. Opposition leaders, however, accuse Meloni of changing the electoral rules to strengthen her chances in next year’s election. Under the current system, around one-third of lawmakers are elected through first-past-the-post constituencies, which analysts say could benefit centre-left parties.

The reform must now return to the Chamber of Deputies after amendments made in the Senate. The debate comes as tensions grow within both the governing coalition and the opposition. A previous attempt to restore preferential voting was narrowly rejected in the lower house, exposing divisions within Meloni’s alliance as the country approaches its next national election.

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Italian Court Confirms Shutdown at Major Steelworks, Blow to Meloni

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An Italian court on Friday upheld an order to shut down the blast furnaces at the former Ilva steelworks in Taranto, dealing a setback to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s efforts to keep the country’s largest steel plant operating while a buyer is sought. The plant is considered strategically important to Italy’s manufacturing sector and supplies steel to industries including construction and automotive.

The Milan Court of Appeal rejected an appeal by operator Acciaierie d’Italia against an earlier ruling that ordered the shutdown and remediation of the plant’s hot-end facilities over inadequate environmental safeguards. The decision adds uncertainty to the future of the sprawling complex, which has long faced disputes over pollution, public health, jobs and industrial policy.

The Taranto plant directly employs around 8,000 workers and supports a large network of contractors. The government is seeking investors for the company, which is under extraordinary administration, while officials have not ruled out maintaining a public stake. Italy is also considering a greener future for the steel industry, including electric arc furnaces powered by direct reduced iron (DRI).

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Meloni Nears Italy’s Stability Record, But 2027 Election Could Disrupt It

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to lead Italy’s longest-lasting government since World War Two, surpassing a record previously held by Silvio Berlusconi. Her government has benefited from political stability and improved investor confidence, particularly through tighter control of Italy’s public finances.

However, analysts warn that the stability may not last beyond the 2027 parliamentary elections. While Meloni’s government has strengthened employment and reduced irregular migration, critics say it has made limited progress on deeper reforms to public administration, healthcare and education. A failed judicial reform referendum and strained relations with U.S. President Donald Trump have also weakened her political standing.

The rise of a new far-right party led by former general Roberto Vannacci is adding further uncertainty. Recent polling suggests Meloni’s conservative coalition could struggle to reach the 42% threshold linked to proposed electoral reforms, while Vannacci’s support has risen to around 8%. Analysts say Italy could once again face a fragmented parliament and unstable coalition politics after the election.

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Italy’s Population Set to Shrink by 4 Million by 2050

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Italy’s population is projected to fall by almost 4 million by 2050, raising concerns over the country’s economy and welfare system as its population continues to age. The national statistics agency ISTAT said the population could decline from 58.9 million in early 2025 to around 55 million by 2050, before falling further to 45.8 million by 2080.

Italy’s declining birth rate is a major factor behind the demographic trend. Births fell to about 355,000 in 2025, the lowest level since the country’s unification in 1861. ISTAT expects annual births to remain broadly stable until 2030 before declining to around 335,000 by 2050, while annual deaths could peak at 869,000 in 2058.

The ageing population is expected to put increasing pressure on Italy’s workforce, pensions and welfare services. The share of people aged 65 and above is projected to rise from 24.7% in 2025 to 34.5% in 2050, while the working-age population could fall from 63.4% to 55.3%. Southern Italy is expected to experience the sharpest decline, with its population forecast to fall from 19.7 million to 16.7 million by 2050.

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Italy’s Meloni Faces Growing Challenge From Young Voters Ahead of Election

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is facing growing dissatisfaction among young voters ahead of Italy’s national election next year. Polling agency Youtrend says only 25% of voters under 35 approve of her government, compared with 35% among the wider population. Analysts say younger Italians are increasingly leaning toward centre-left parties, with Meloni’s ruling coalition receiving less than 30% support among under-35s, compared with nearly 50% for the opposition bloc.

Analysts point to limited economic reforms and weak opportunities for young Italians as key reasons for the government’s declining support. Italy has the lowest employment rate for people aged 15 to 24 in the euro zone and invests relatively little in education. Many young Italians also leave the country in search of better-paying jobs abroad. At the same time, Meloni’s law-and-order policies targeting protests, cannabis, squatting and juvenile crime have generated opposition among sections of the younger population.

Meloni also faces competition from the far-right National Future movement led by former army general Roberto Vannacci, which is polling at around 7% and has attracted some young anti-immigration voters. Youth turnout could become especially important in the 2027 election, as young Italians have traditionally been less likely to vote. Their increased participation in a March justice referendum, where 67% of under-35s voted and 60% rejected the reform backed by Meloni, showed their potential influence.

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Spain Pressures Italy to Lift Border Controls Amid Ceuta Migration Crisis

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Spain has threatened to impose restrictions on travellers from Italy unless Rome removes border controls introduced after a mass influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Madrid called the Italian measures unjustified and discriminatory, giving Italy until Sunday to reverse the restrictions. Italy, however, rejected what it described as ultimatums from Spain and said the controls would remain in place for now.

Italy suspended parts of the EU’s Schengen free-travel rules for non-EU nationals arriving from Spain, citing concerns over a possible new migration wave. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government said it would reconsider the decision only after receiving assurances that there would be no fresh influx, security or terrorism threats, or movement of irregular migrants towards other parts of Europe. Spanish authorities have warned of online calls for another attempted border crossing into Ceuta on August 15.

The dispute has deepened tensions between the two EU allies, whose governments have taken different approaches to migration policy. Spain argues that migrants who entered Ceuta cannot simply access the wider Schengen area, while Italy maintains that the controls are necessary as a precaution. The crisis has also highlighted the growing political divide between Meloni’s tougher immigration stance and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s comparatively more liberal approach.

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Italy’s Beach Access Debate Intensifies as Free Beach Campaigners Clash with Lido Operators

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Italy’s coastline has become the centre of a growing debate as campaigners demand greater public access to beaches, while private lido operators defend the paid services they provide. Popular seaside destinations such as Santa Severa feature stretches of privately managed beaches where visitors pay for amenities including umbrellas, sun loungers, restaurants, lifeguards and family-friendly facilities. Operators argue these services ensure safety, cleanliness and a better beach experience for visitors.

Campaigners, however, say free public beaches are often limited to less desirable locations, including rocky shorelines or areas near drainage outlets, making access unequal for those unable or unwilling to pay. They argue that public beaches should receive better maintenance and essential facilities such as showers, rubbish bins and lifeguard services from local authorities rather than relying on private operators. The issue has become increasingly visible during the busy summer tourism season as demand for affordable beach access grows.

The dispute also has legal and political dimensions. The European Union has long urged Italy to adopt a more transparent system for awarding lucrative beach concessions, but reforms have progressed slowly. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government extended existing beach licences until September 2027, with a possible extension to March 2028. Meanwhile, concession allocations in several coastal towns are under review by Italy’s highest administrative court, as campaigners continue to push for beaches they believe should remain accessible to everyone.

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Italy Coalition Seeks Pardon for Jeweller

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Italy’s ruling coalition has called for a presidential pardon for 72-year-old jeweller Mario Roggero after the country’s Supreme Court upheld his prison sentence for killing two robbers during a 2021 jewellery store robbery. Roggero was sentenced to 14 years and nine months in prison after the court ruled that he exceeded the limits of legitimate self-defence by chasing and shooting the suspects after the immediate threat had ended.

The case has drawn strong support from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition, which argues that the jeweller was protecting himself, his family, and his business. Coalition leaders have announced plans to collect signatures for a pardon request, which would be reviewed by Italy’s Justice Ministry before being submitted to President Sergio Mattarella.

The incident continues to divide public opinion in Italy, with supporters viewing Roggero as a victim of violent crime, while critics maintain that the use of deadly force outside the shop went beyond lawful self-defence. Roggero has continued to assert his innocence and thanked supporters as he surrendered to begin serving his sentence.

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France Signals Openness to SAMP/T Air Defence Sale to Turkey

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France is showing renewed openness to a potential sale of the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defence system to Turkey, marking a significant shift after years of political resistance. According to sources, the change follows recent discussions between French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, although negotiations remain at an early stage and no agreement has been reached.

Turkey is seeking the SAMP/T system as part of its planned “Steel Dome” integrated air and missile defence network. The project, launched jointly by Turkey, France and Italy several years ago, had stalled due to tensions over Syria, Libya and disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkish officials now say there is renewed political willingness among all three countries to revive defence cooperation, including possible technology transfer and joint production.

Despite the positive signals, any potential deal is expected to face diplomatic and political hurdles. France is likely to consult with Greece and Cyprus before moving forward, given its defence partnerships with both countries. Officials stress that the latest discussions represent only the beginning of a lengthy process, with any future agreement likely to involve the upgraded version of the SAMP/T system.

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Meloni Slams Trump for ‘Totally Invented’ G7 Photo Claim as Diplomatic Rift Deepens

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has fiercely accused U.S. President Donald Trump of fabricating a story after he claimed she “begged” him for a photograph at the recent G7 summit in France. Trump told Italy’s La7 TV channel that Meloni desperately wanted a picture with him and that he only complied because he “felt sorry for her.” Meloni expressed her astonishment at the remarks, stating they were “completely made up” and firmly declaring that neither she nor Italy ever begs. She further chided the U.S. President for showing “far greater indulgence” toward the enemies of the West than toward long-standing international allies.

The public verbal dispute has triggered an immediate and severe diplomatic backlash from Rome, signaling a sharp deterioration in ties between the two right-wing leaders. Underscoring the Italian government’s fury, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the immediate cancellation of his scheduled official visit to the United States next week, labeling Trump’s comments “serious and offensive” to the entire nation of Italy. This abrupt fallout comes just days after the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, where video footage of the two leaders conversing cordially on a sofa suggested they had stabilized a relationship previously strained by disagreements over the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The rhetoric from Meloni’s inner circle has reached unprecedented levels of hostility for the usually close allies. Giovanbattista Fazzolari, undersecretary to the prime minister’s office, released a scathing statement accusing Trump of “wrecking the historic relations between the United States and Europe” through either intent or ineptitude. The current hostility marks a dramatic shift for Meloni, who was notably the only European leader to attend Trump’s inauguration in 2025, but whose relationship with the administration has crumbled following public disagreements over the papacy and the geopolitical handling of the West Asia conflict.

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