The Minister for the Economy told the House of Commons that the government will request an overall increase in spending on energy security measures of around 0.6 per cent of GDP and on security and defence of around 0.9 per cent. Following approval from Brussels, Parliament will have to vote on the budget deviation

If he stands alone, it will be proof that the government will try to pass on the costs of defence – the SAFE programme, which it regards ‘like the NRRP, as a loan’ – to the minister. If he is supported, it will mean that the Meloni government remains united, despite the differences between the League and Forza Italia

Since 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 management

The government has approved a 17-cents tax cut, but only on diesel. The issue of resources

The Minister for the Economy sought to send a message regarding this government’s ability to establish a new balance of power with the banking system: “With sound, profitable and innovative banks, the country is stronger. The reverse is also true.”

Giorgetti’s message is that the era of the state as a shareholder in commercial banks – a role it assumed to prevent collapses and complete restructuring – must come to an end. Acting swiftly would not be a bad idea