Daily News Update — 2026년 3월 27일
The Meloni government is in turmoil after the Prime Minister demanded the resignation of Minister Santanchè, while the OECD slashed Italy's 2026 growth forecast to 0.4% and consumer confidence plummeted. Globally, Middle East tensions continue to pressure markets, leading to a red close for Piazza Affari.
Daily News Update — March 27, 2026
Front Pages
FdI Crisis: Meloni demands Santanchè's resignation
- What happened: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has explicitly asked Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè to resign, following the exits of Delmastro and Bartolozzi. Opposition parties have already requested a motion of no-confidence in both the Chamber and the Senate.
- Why it matters: This represents yet another major headache for Fratelli d'Italia, which has faced a series of issues involving its leadership in recent weeks. The government's stability will depend on the Minister's response.
Fratelli d'Italia's troubles: From Santanchè to Delmastro
- What happened: La Repubblica analyzes the long series of scandals hitting Fratelli d'Italia, from the Sangiuliano and Montaruli cases to the recent resignation of Delmastro and the call for Santanchè to step down.
- Why it matters: This sequence of internal crises threatens to weaken Meloni's leadership, already under pressure after the March 22-23 referendum, where the "No" vote prevailed with 53.7%.
Strait of Messina Bridge: ANAC calls for new tender
- What happened: The President of ANAC, testifying before the Chamber's Environment Commission, stated that a new public tender is necessary for the Strait of Messina Bridge project. The news was widely covered on the front pages of Repubblica, Corriere della Sera, and Il Sole 24 Ore on March 25.
- Why it matters: The Anti-Corruption Authority’s request challenges the procedural path of the government's most debated infrastructure project, with potential impacts on the timeline and costs.
Iran War: Tensions persist despite diplomatic contact
- What happened: News continues regarding the US and Israeli attack on Iran. According to Corriere della Sera, the US and Israel reportedly temporarily removed Ghalibaf and Araghchi from their target list, signaling a possible de-escalation. However, talks remain difficult.
- Why it matters: The conflict has direct consequences for global energy markets and regional stability, creating ripple effects for the Italian and European economies.
Economy and Business
OECD cuts Italy’s GDP: Only +0.4% in 2026
The OECD has downwardly revised Italy’s growth estimates to 0.4% for 2026, with inflation expected at 2.4%. ECB President Christine Lagarde warned that markets seem "too optimistic" regarding the shock stemming from the Middle East war. Projections indicate a worsening macroeconomic environment, exacerbated by high energy costs and rising government bond yields.
Consumer confidence in March: Drop to 92.6
Istat reports that the consumer confidence indicator fell from 97.4 to 92.6 in March 2026, the lowest level in recent months. The composite business confidence climate indicator saw a marginal decline (from 97.4 to 97.3). The data reflects household concerns related to rising energy prices and geopolitical instability.
Piazza Affari closes in the red on March 26
The Italian stock exchange finished the session on March 26 in negative territory. Weighing on the markets were the "difficult" talks between the US and Iran, and the attack on an oil tanker in the Black Sea, which intensified tensions and drove oil prices up. Meanwhile, Deutsche Bank revised its rating for Leonardo.
World News
Ballistic missile launches from Iran toward Israel
According to sources in recent hours, Iran has launched ballistic missiles toward central Israel, marking a new escalation in the ongoing conflict. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides continuing military actions despite diplomatic mediation attempts.
Global markets and investor "cognitive dissonance"
According to an analysis cited by The Economist and reported by Italian sources, global financial markets show a dangerous contradiction: investors are unnerved by the war in the Middle East and the energy shock, yet asset prices remain at optimistic levels. Experts fear a sharp correction if the geopolitical situation deteriorates further.
Things to watch
- Santanchè's future: Following Meloni's explicit request, all eyes are on the Minister’s response and the potential vote on the opposition’s no-confidence motions. This could reshape the balance within the governing coalition.
- US-Iran negotiations: Current diplomatic talks remain fragile. Any development—positive or negative—will have immediate repercussions on energy markets and world stock exchanges.
- Italian macroeconomic data: With GDP growth projected at 0.4% and consumer confidence at historic lows, tracking upcoming Istat indicators and the government’s fiscal policy responses will be crucial.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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