“Saxony-Anhalt is almost a ‘textbook example, in one of the economically weakest federal states, of how industry acts as a bulwark of democracy’,” says the vice-president of Confindustria

With the deadline approaching, the government is leaning towards a new across-the-board cut in excise duties whilst awaiting the finalisation of targeted measures: there is no political agreement yet on who will benefit or how the costs will be covered. Over the last six months, blanket subsidies for diesel and petrol have cost 2 billion and 74.5 million euros

At the demonstration against the definition of the IHRA contained in the bill under discussion in the Chamber of Deputies, flags of terrorist organisations from Lebanon and Palestine are being waved, alongside that of Iran. Tensions arise with those present. MPs from the broad coalition make a hasty retreat

Ranucci rules out standing for election, points to his lead in the polls and says he wants to continue with his investigations. But as for his future away from "Report", he remains vague for the time being.

At the Green Alliance and Left party rally, ‘the alternative’ gathers, though it remains without a programme or a leader. From the crowd, people shout: ‘Get a move on!’, in thick Roman dialect. Surprise: the Greens like Silvia Salis

At the red-green rally, opposition leaders demonstrated unity and issued a challenge to Meloni: “There is an alternative.” Policy was discussed, but the leadership issue remains. The Schlein–Conte rivalry has shifted to the centre, while Renzi divided the coalition.

A spokesperson for Forza Italia says: “Salvini? He’s seeking support.” Borghi? “He always says the same things. Together, they are jeopardising the government’s reputation and the Tajani approach. But their views are not shared.”

“You cannot expect to disarm Kyiv at such a delicate stage, but the serious question to ask is: was and is sending weapons the only way to help it? And could the EU not have acted as a deterrent in some other way?”