The government approved yesterday a new economic aid package – worth EUR 55bn – aimed at helping families and businesses damaged by the Covid-19 outbreak. Originally optimistically entitled “The April Decree” and now rebaptized “The Relaunch Decree”, the document contains 256 articles and is 464 pages long.… Read the rest
This piece provides an updated overview of the lockdown exit strategies currently being implemented by selected European governments, and the surrounding politics. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to discuss any of the countries mentioned in more detail.… Read the rest
As outlined by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte last Sunday, Italy will start gradually easing its lockdown on 4 May. Yet, Conte’s problems have soared since his announcement. The government’s hold on the emergency – never strong – is challenged due to mounting clashes with regional governors.… Read the rest
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has given a televised address outlining how Italy will begin easing its Covid-19 lockdown. The main takeaway is that the government has no strategy on how to handle the critical easing phase nor on how to reboot the economy.… Read the rest
● The political backdrop is set to worsen in the weeks ahead with a likely adverse impact on the exit strategy.
● As for the 23 April European Council, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will accept the likely deal that will kick down the road the question on how to pay for the temporary recover fund.… Read the rest
In statistical terms Italy is country of variances, rather than of averages.
Italy’s economy has scarcely grown since the beginning of the new century, and is yet to re-attain its pre-2008 level.… Read the rest
In the eye of the Covid-19 storm, early-stage signs are that the lockdown may be working.
Italy being at the forefront of the epidemic in Europe, it may prove instructive to follow developments there more closely than usual.… Read the rest
As Italy enters a crucial week to confirm if a trend reversal has been achieved in terms of new daily infections, the political atmosphere is becoming increasingly toxic. This is mainly due to the government’s inept crisis-management and the opposition’s propensity to exploit the emergency for political gain.… Read the rest
