The approachMeloni’s shrewd move: backing Elisabetta Gualmini as mayor of Bologna to undermine the PD and SchleinThe right is seriously considering backing the former PD MEP (now with Calenda’s Azione party) as mayor to succeed Lepore. A move that opens up possibilities at national level as wellbyCarmelo Caruso28 JUL 26
the surveyThe most reliable: Crosetto, Piantedosi and GiorgettiSince yesterday, a ‘ranking list’ has been doing the rounds in ministers’ chat groups, bringing a smile to some and a sense of gloom to those at the bottom. It is not known who commissioned it, but the criteria are clear: results, adherence to the PNRR timetable, and dossier managementbyCarmelo Caruso28 JUL 26
The storyMeloni’s “baking” session: excise duties cut in the Council of Ministers, but chaos at Ilva. The electoral law is giving Tajani a headacheThe Council of Ministers has approved a fuel discount – 17 cents off diesel – but a decree mandates the closure of the blast furnace. The row between FdI and Forza Italia over wiretaps and party preferences continues. The confessions of the FI leaderbyCarmelo Caruso27 JUL 26
The Prime Minister’s holidayMeloni ready to return to Puglia; the last Council of Ministers meeting was on 4 August. Schlein’s summer is not a militant oneGiven that there are signs of a rift with the Berlusconis and Forza Italia, and given that it is better to stay in Italy, the Prime Minister is said to have every intention of returning to the Itria Valley. Meanwhile, to avoid embarrassment, the PD secretary’s second event in Padua has been cancelled byCarmelo Caruso25 JUL 26
Meloni, watch out!Vannacci’s muse. The General is courting Edoardo Sylos Labini to climb the ranks at Rai. He says: “He’s a fan of mine, just like La Russa”Actor, presenter, editor-in-chief of "Cultura e Identità", the newspaper that covers the province, the bell tower and the Strapaese. On the anniversary of the founding of "Futuro Nazionale", he described himself as “a curious sort”byCarmelo Caruso25 JUL 26
within the governmentMeloni and ghosts: Marina B. wants to prevent the “record”. The air is thick with the smell of a scandal. Giorgetti’s “excise duties”For the Berlusconi family, the best law is the Rosatellum because it allows Forza Italia to play a central role. FI senators have been put on alert. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister wants a signal on fuel prices (even though there are no funds available)byCarmelo Caruso25 JUL 26
From the General to CalendaRenzi time: “Vannacci is a pain in the neck. Calenda isn’t interesting”“Salvini? A walking piece of fake news. If the electoral law isn’t passed, there’s a serious risk that Meloni will team up with Vannacci and drop Tajani. Vannacci stands to become deputy prime minister,” says the leader of Italia VivabyCarmelo Caruso24 JUL 26
The storySalvini’s anger: “Enough of the North and the party of the nostalgic! Vannacci? I don’t give a shit.” He reiterates his call for a third termThe Carroccio secretary aims to settle scores with Romeo, Zaia and Fontana, and at a dinner with MPs at Villa Angelucci he says: “Internal enemies are damaging the League”. He then defends Roggero because, like the goldsmith, he dreams of legitimate revenge. The defectors? “Let’s see if they get elected”byCarmelo Caruso24 JUL 26
The storyMeloni’s ‘concession’ to Tajani on preferences. Forza Italia opposes it. Marina Berlusconi’s resistanceThe Prime Minister is set to introduce a 60/40 gender parity rule for candidate preferences; Tajani mediates with the party (split). Moratti-Craxi row. FdI’s warning: “If our allies betray us, we will not be generous in the allocation of seats”byCarmelo Caruso23 JUL 26
the European ConsobGiorgetti: “Carlo Comporti at ESMA. We’ve won”“We’d been working on it for four months,” says the Minister for the Economy regarding the appointment (first reported by *Il Foglio*) of the Italian to the European Securities and Markets AuthoritybyCarmelo Caruso22 JUL 26