Capitol Hill establishes an oversight commission amid bribery allegations in public works
The mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri intervenes after the investigations of Guardia di Finanza on road resurfacing contracts. An internal investigation and a technical inspection commission composed of public works experts have been set up to verify the proper execution of the works. Gualtieri said he is outraged at the possibility that someone has committed irregularities that should not soil the work to revitalize Rome on the occasion of the Jubilee.
Musk shows respect for the Italian President but affirms his right to self-expression
After President Mattarella’s note about Italy’s decision-making autonomy on migration policies, Musk’s Italian representative wrote on X that the tycoon respects the Italian President and Constitution, but claims his right to self-expression. Prime Minister Meloni commented: “We always listen with great respect to the words of the President of the Republic”. Vice President Tajani added that he agrees with the President and that Musk’s language does not belong to him.
Italy Sells a part of Tuscan bank
Treasury sold a 15% stake in Monte dei Paschi di Siena for €1.1 billion to a consortium of Italian investors, including Banco BPM, Anima Holding, the Caltagirone Group and the Del Vecchio family. The sale is part of the Treasury’s plan to privatize Monte dei Paschi di Siena while raising funds for public finances. The Tuscan bank’s stock price rose in response.
Rising safety concerns in hospitals
Two separate incidents of violence against healthcare workers were reported in Italy. In Naples, a patient attempted to assault a nurse at the Vecchio Pellegrini hospital but was stopped by a police officer, who suffered minor facial injuries.
In Reggio Emilia, a 16-year-old, visibly agitated and in a disturbed state, assaulted a nurse at the Santa Maria Nuova hospital’s emergency room by punching him in the face.
Vanacci given 11 months of suspension from the Army
Roberto Vannacci, an Italian general, had his 11-month suspension from the military confirmed by the Lazio TAR court. The suspension includes a reduction in his seniority and a cut in his salary, and was imposed after the publication of his book Il mondo al contrario. The Ministry of Defense criticized the book for damaging the military’s reputation. Vannacci’s legal team argued that his freedom of speech was violated and plans to appeal the ruling to the Council of State, possibly taking the case to the European Court of Human Rights.
Calabria-Sicily bridge project approved with strict environmental safeguards
The Technical Commission for Environmental Impact Assessment has approved the environmental compatibility of the bridge that would connect the Southern Italian region of Calabria to the island of Sicily. Specific environmental conditions must be met during the submission of the executive project, such as protections for natural, terrestrial, marine, and agricultural environments, along with detailed requirements for groundworks, construction operations, material management, procurement, noise, and vibration control.
Severe storm hit Catania
Streets turned into rivers, dragging cars into the sea and trapping drivers. Sicily was heavily impacted by a severe storm that struck the Catania region. In just 12 hours, 500 millimeters of rain fell, causing severe flooding after rivers burst their banks. One driver was saved from floodwaters by clinging to a rope. There were no fatalities,
Italian sociologist passed away in Rome
Franco Ferrarotti, sociologist and former professor at Sapienza University in Rome, passed away at 98. Known as a founding figure in Italian sociology, Ferrarotti worked as a member of Parliament and received Italy’s Cavaliere di Gran Croce honor in 2005. He contributed to European sociological research and completed influential works, including Sociology as Participation. He co-founded the journal Quaderni di Sociologia.
Italy faces Belgium in the Nations League
The two football teams are facing off November 14 in Brussels for the fifth round of the Nations League. For Italy, it’s a crucial match as they aim to secure a spot in the next phase, following recent victories over France and Israel. Italy’s last encounter with Belgium ended 2-2.
Petition puts St. Peter’s Christmas tree at risk
A petition with over 45,000 signatures has been launched to stop the felling of the Christmas tree set to be placed in St. Peter’s Square on November 19. It is a 200-year-old, 100-foot pine tree. Its shipment from the northern Italian region of Trentino is estimated to cost 60,000 euros.
