Budget bill controversy grows
Zeta Italy News. Government is set to retract an amendment regarding salary adjustments for ministers from the 2024 budget bill. After heated discussions and significant backlash, the measure, originally aimed at aligning ministerial salaries with those of top civil servants, will likely be abandoned. The controversy emerged amidst broader scrutiny over public spending, with opposition parties criticizing the proposal as ill-timed amid economic challenges.
Prime Minister speaks at the House of Representatives
Giorgia Meloni outlined her positions in a meeting ahead of the December 19 European Council in Brussels. The conference will address topics such as Ukraine, the EU’s global role, the Middle East, migration, and foreign policy. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a pragmatic approach with Trump and confirmed that migrant centers in Albania will continue to operate in accordance with Italian law and European standards.
Explosion in Aprilia: three victims identified
A tragic explosion in a villa in Aprilia, near Latina in Lazio, claimed three lives, including two adults and a child. A man was rescued alive but remains in critical condition. The explosion, which caused a partial building collapse and subsequent fire, required extensive rescue efforts by emergency teams, including searches through rubble. Investigators believe a gas leak may have triggered the explosion.
Police confiscated illegally stored fireworks and counterfeit goods
The Financial Police Unit seized over 1,100 kilograms of unlicensed fireworks found in a maxi-emporium in the province of Monza. They also confiscated 146,000 items, including decorations, toys, medical devices, and personal care products, lacking CE marks and falsely labeled as Made in Italy. The company’s operations were suspended for failing to meet fire and workplace safety regulations.
Athlete Daisy Osakue accused of theft “because I’m black”
Italian athlete Daisy Osakue, a discus thrower and Olympic champion, shared an incident of alleged racial profiling at a store in Turin. She recounted being singled out by security, accused of intending to leave without paying for items she was browsing. Osakue, also a member of the Italian military, expressed frustration at the experience; staff later apologized for the episode.
Rescue operations ongoing for caver trapped in Northern Italy
It is estimated that it will take 36-48 hours to free Ottavia Piana, the 32-year-old caver who fell into the ‘Abisso Bueno Fonteno’ cave near Bergamo. Her health is stable, and over 100 rescuers are working nonstop to carry out the rescue operations. Communication between the inside and outside of the cave is maintained through a telephone cable. Piana has stated that she will never enter a cave again.
Cities in North-East Italy offer the best quality of life
Il Sole 24 Ore‘s annual Quality of Life Ranking names Bergamo the best city in Italy, followed by Trento in second place and Bolzano in third. The North-East dominates the top 10, while major cities, except for Bologna (9th) and Milan (12th), see significant drops. Rome ranks 59th. The South remains at the bottom, with Reggio Calabria in last place, though there are some positive signs.
Actress Giuditta Saltarini has died
Born in Rome 83 years ago, Giuditta Saltarini worked in film, theater, and TV. The news of her death was shared on Facebook by her son Cesare, born from her union with artist Renato Rascel: “Her life was dedicated to art, culture, and family. With her talent, passion, and elegance, she left a lasting mark on the world of Italian show business and in the hearts of those who knew her”.
Inter crushes Lazio with 6-0 victory
Inter secured a commanding 6-0 football win against Lazio in their Serie A clash at the Stadio Olimpico. Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring, followed by goals from Mkhitaryan and Calhanoglu, who each added to the tally in a relentless display. Inter’s defensive discipline and clinical finishing left Lazio overwhelmed, solidifying Inter’s position as a dominant title contender.
Basket, Reggio Emilia and Treviso win their matches
In Lega Basket Serie A, Reggio Emilia overcame Sassari 79-72, and Varese edged Milano 94-92 in a nail-biter. Treviso’s Bowman secured a win against Cremona with a last-second three-pointer. Meanwhile, Derthona Basketball Lab prepares for their second season in the Interregional Serie B, aiming to improve on last year’s performance
