Government at Palazzo Chigi on Albania centers
Zeta Italy News Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened a summit on December 23 to discuss the management of migration flows in Albania. “We need to think outside the box,” said the Prime Minister. “It seems to me that the Court of Cassation has ruled in favor of the government; it is the right of governments to establish which countries are safe.” The government’s goal is to resume transfers in January.
Rome unveils new pedestrian piazza near St. Peter’s Square
On December 23, Piazza Pia was inaugurated in Rome. The pedestrian area is located 300 meters from St. Peter’s Square. Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, called it the most significant project of the Jubilee: “A symbol of unity and collaboration between the Holy See and the Capital, a gesture that conveys a message of hope, unity, and cooperation.” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also attended the inauguration.
New security measures at major Italian train stations
A protocol was signed today between the Ministry of the Interior and State Railways to enhance security at train stations and surrounding areas. Arrivals will begin at stations in Milan, Rome, Turin, Venice, Florence, and Naples. An increased police presence is planned, along with greater surveillance on board trains. The news was announced by Matteo Salvini, minister of the Interior, on X.
Debate rekindled by the Open Arms Case
The acquittal of Matteo Salvini in the Open Arms trial has reignited debates about magistrates’ accountability. Justice minister Carlo Nordio proposes compensating victims of wrongful trials, blaming prosecutors for baseless cases. Critics see this as a threat to judicial independence, while the opposition demands similar accountability for government officials, exposing a double standard in the reform.
Italy reinforces security after terrorist attack in Germany
Italy is strengthening security measures ahead of the Jubilee following the attack in Magdeburg, Germany. “There is no alarm, but we are keeping our attention high,” commented minister Piantedosi on the news. What concerns security forces is the possibility of emulation. A circular has been sent to prefectures and police headquarters, ordering the immediate reinforcement of surveillance in all areas of commercial interest.
Italy’s stalled fight against SLAPPs
Italy lags in addressing SLAPPs (lawsuits silencing journalists) but focuses on compensating victims of wrongful trials. Critics call this a selective reform targeting judges while ignoring threats to free speech. As new legislation progresses, concerns grow over its potential chilling effect on judicial independence, further highlighting Italy’s failure to protect journalists from legal intimidation.
Forty years from the Rapido 904 massacre
On the 40th anniversary of the Rapido 904 bombing, President Mattarella honored 16 victims of the mafia-terrorist act. The bombing, which occurred on December 23, 1984, aboard the high-speed train Rapido 904 traveling from Naples to Milan, targeted innocent civilians. He recalled Italy’s unity in defending democracy against such attacks and urged youth to uphold these values.
Death in Palermo after 8 days on a stretcher
Romina Gelardi, daughter of the 76-year-old victim, has filed a complaint following her mother’s death on December 20 in Palermo. The police intervened, seizing the medical records and the body. “During her hospitalization, my mother’s clinical conditions, particularly her heart disease, were not considered,” the daughter stated. According to Gelardi, her mother was only transferred on December 19 after 8 days on a stretcher.
Trevi Fountain reopens after major restoration
The Trevi Square bids farewell to the pool and walkway. On December 22, the extraordinary maintenance works on the fountain, carried out for the Jubilee, were completed. The restoration, which lasted three months, cost approximately 372,000 euros. To prevent overcrowding, access to the Trevi Fountain will be limited to 400 people at a time. Currently, no ticket is required for entry.
Dybala makes history among Serie A’s Top Argentine scorers
Paulo Dybala’s brace against Parma lifted Roma to 10th place and made him Serie A’s third-highest Argentine scorer, surpassing Higuain. Now trailing only two legends, Dybala joins a list featuring Icardi, Balbo, and others. Maradona, ranked 11th, would be second—behind Lautaro Martínez—if counting players who scored exclusively for one club.