Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte faces two key confidence votes in parliament this week as his political survival hangs by a few ballots. Following the exit of Matteo Renzi’s Italia Viva (IV) from the coalition, the PM informed President Sergio Mattarella of his intention to address Parliament and ask for a vote of confidence.… Read the rest
Abstentions (including from Italia Viva’s senators) in today’s crucial vote in the Senate will likely mean that Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will secure enough support (157-158 votes) to stay in power.… Read the rest
Some two months ahead of the 15 March general election, the government of PM Mark Rutte has collectively resigned over a childcare benefits scandal. Rutte and his cabinet will continue to serve as caretakers until a new government has been formed after the election.… Read the rest
As expected, Matteo Renzi has withdrawn Italia Viva (IV)’s cabinet members from Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte’s government, bringing it toward the verge of collapse. Renzi’s long telegraphed move triggered a political crisis, which could last days or even a few weeks, has no clear solution in sight.… Read the rest
A cabinet meeting widely seen as setting the stage for a showdown in Italy’s simmering government crisis will be held today (12 January) at 9.30pm local time. The meeting has been called by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte for the cabinet to approve an economic recovery plan (PNRR) that envisages spending of around EUR 223bn in loans and grants that Italy expects to receive from the EU to help its recovery from the pandemic.… Read the rest
As anticipated, both sides agreed on a zero tariffs/quota trade deal just in time for Christmas. But the limited nature of the deal leaves many questions unanswered, chief among them the outlook for the (financial) services sector.… Read the rest
