Esclusiva

Febbraio 21 2025
Meloni defends Delmastro after court ruling: “He remains in office”

The top ten Italian news of February 21 2025

Justice Undersecretary condemned to eight months of prison

Zeta Italy News. “I will not quit, I will appeal to the court” commented Andrea Delmastro after the Rome Tribunal’s ruling for disclosing official secrets in the Alfredo Cospito case. PM Giorgia Meloni expressed dismay, questioning the ruling’s legal basis and confirmed he will remain in office. Deputy PM Antonio Tajani called the sentence a political move against judicial reforms, and affirmed the government’s commitment to its agenda.

Meloni to Trudeau: ”Our priority is to stop war and achieve piece”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke with Canadian PM and G7 President Justin Trudeau about international affairs and Ukraine. She reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to ending the conflict, stating, “Our priority is the same as the rest of Europe, NATO, and Kyiv: to do everything possible to stop the war and achieve peace.” Due to prior commitments, FM Antonio Tajani will represent Italy at the G7 call on Feb 24.

Liguria Regional Administrative Court rejects beach concession extensions

The appeal was made by three beach resorts in Liguria, ruling that their concessions expired on December 31, 2023. It was rejected. The decision made by the Regional Administrative Court confirms that automatic extensions are invalid under EU law, requiring open and transparent bidding. Opposition parties criticize the government’s inaction, urging clarity on compensation for outgoing concessionaires before the March 2025 deadline.

Pope in stable condition, monitoring treatment response

The Pope rested well overnight, woke up this morning, and had breakfast. “In the next day or so, we’ll understand how he is responding to the new treatment,” Vatican sources say. He remains engaged with his closest collaborators and continues his work based on his health status. “We pray to God for his full recovery, that his health may be restored, allowing him to continue leading this noble papacy,” said the Mufti of Tripoli, Sheikh Mohammad Imam.

Policlinico mix-up: healthy jaw removed after false tumour diagnosis 

A man underwent an unnecessary mandibular removal after a mix-up in biopsy slides at Rome’s Policlinico Umberto I. The patient, initially diagnosed with a malignant tumor, later discovered the tissue removed was not his. A DNA test revealed the error, and he now seeks justice for the grievous harm. Investigations continue as authorities search for the other victim involved in this medical blunder.

Italian families’ private health bill grows amid public cuts

The new report by the Foundation for Subsidiarity reveals that Italian households spent €138 billion on family welfare in 2024, filling gaps left by public intervention. Despite Italy’s €620 billion social spending, less than 20% goes to welfare. FPS President Giorgio Vittadini calls for a renewed social pact, blending subsidiarity with state action to build a more inclusive and resilient society.

Italy’s inflation rises 

According to ISTAT, in January 2025, Italy’s national consumer price index (NIC), including tobacco, increased by 0.6% from December and 1.5% year-on-year (up from +1.3%). This rise is primarily driven by a sharp increase in regulated energy prices, a slower decline in unregulated energy prices, and a slight uptick in service costs.

Poste Italiane records record revenue and profit

Poste Italiane ended 2024 with its highest net profit ever, reaching €2.01 billion, surpassing its 2024-2028 Strategic Plan target two years ahead of schedule. The company announced the results in a statement, highlighting that 2024 revenue also hit a record €12.6 billion, up 5% year-on-year.

Centenary of the Institute of the Italian Encyclopaedia of Sciences, Literature and Arts

“The commitment of Treccani to spreading knowledge,” stated the Institute’s President Carlo Ossola, “is a response to the urgent and necessary demand for a reliable reference point to navigate a complex and fragmented world”. He added that whatever the platforms or search engines may be, the role of an encyclopedia has not only not faded but is even more crucial for the polis of the future. 

Europa League draw, no Italian derby yet

On February 20, Roma secured a 3-2 victory against Porto, earning a spot in the Round of 16. On February 21, the draw took place in Nyon, Switzerland, determining the upcoming matchups. There will be no all-Roman derby at this stage, as Roma is set to face Athletic Bilbao, while Lazio will go up against Viktoria Plzen. The only scenario in which the two capital teams could clash could be in the final.