Banco BPM says UniCredit offer doesn’t reflect its value
Unicredit banking group has made a €10 billion offer to acquire Banco BPM, aiming to strengthen its position in Europe. The Italian government has criticized the move.
Banco BPM’s board rejected Unicredit’s offer, saying it doesn’t reflect the bank’s value or potential. They highlighted recent strategic initiatives that will update their 2023-2026 business plan.
President Mattarella: “No excuses for violence against women”
President Mattarella marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by stressing that there are no excuses for gender-based violence. He highlighted the alarming statistics and condemned the societal and cultural factors that allow such abuse to persist, urging that action must be taken to address these deep-rooted issues.
Prime Minister Meloni calls for measures to prevent violence against women
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in an interview with Donna Moderna linked violence against women to social marginalization and illegal immigration, emphasizing government efforts such as increased anti-violence funding and law enforcement support. She also proposed reforms to promote women’s financial independence and addressed regional challenges in managing resources.
Valditara highlights education and respect to address rising femicide cases
Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to combat femicide, focusing on strengthening respect, addressing violence, and tackling discrimination. Clarifying his comments, he denied linking femicide solely to immigrants but noted that social marginalization, including from illegal immigration, can increase risks.
Commission calls to limit transport strike to four hours
The Strike Guarantee Commission has recommended shortening the general transport strikes on November 29 to four hours to prevent significant harm to citizens’ constitutional rights, especially mobility. The Commission pointed out that the simultaneity of several strikes could severely disrupt transport services and negatively affect the public.
Government declares a 12-month State of emergency for areas affected by severe weather
Following a proposal by the Minister of Civil Protection and Marine Policies, Nello Musumeci, the Government declared a 12-month state of emergency for areas in Turin and Vercelli affected by severe weather on September 4–5, with €4.8 million allocated for immediate response. A state of emergency was also declared for Florence, Livorno, Pisa, and Siena, hit by storms on October 17–18, 2024, with €9.7 million set aside.
Guidelines of cybersecurity to reinforce database protection
The National Cybersecurity Agency provided guidelines to enhance the protection of databases against misuse, highlighting the importance of “strong and consistent access control” and the need to carefully monitor technology suppliers after several recent incidents where unauthorized individuals or groups managed to access sensitive national databases using various methods.
Italy’s Defense sector: state dominance with foreign involvement
Italy’s defense sector is led by state-controlled giants Leonardo and Fincantieri, followed by smaller firms specializing in specific systems, and a large base of small and medium-sized enterprises. State-owned companies generate 59.3% of total revenues, while foreign groups control 25.1%, with 12.2% from European and 10.1% from U.S. firms.
Matteo Berrettini Earns ATP “Comeback Player of the Year” Nomination
The Italian tennis player had a strong comeback in 2024, winning three ATP 250 titles and ranking fifth in the ATP. Matteo Berrettini’s resurgence earned him a “Comeback Player of the Year” nomination at the ATP Awards.
Pia Tuccitto Releases a New Song
Rock singer-songwriter, Pia Tuccitto, releases her new folk-rock single Cento e 1000 lacrime, produced by Frank Nemola. Known for writing songs for artists like Vasco Rossi and Patty Pravo, she has opened for Vasco and performed at the Heineken Jammin Festival.
