Le notizie di oggi: Meloni 멜로니, 위기 속 고군분투
Italy is facing multiple crises at once: following a referendum defeat, Prime Minister Meloni is determined to stay in office while asking the EU to pause deficit rules due to the Iran-Israel conflict. Meanwhile, international stability is fragile, the services sector is shrinking, and industrial production is stagnant.
Le notizie di oggi — April 12, 2026
Front Pages
Meloni: "I will govern until the end of my mandate"
- What happened: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has firmly declared her intention to remain in office until her term ends, aiming to stabilize her leadership after last month's heavy referendum defeat.
- Why it matters: This statement comes amid significant political pressure. The referendum dealt a major blow to her authority, and coalition partners Tajani and Salvini had already ruled out early elections. Government stability remains a key question for the coming months.
Meloni asks EU to suspend deficit rules due to Iran crisis
- What happened: Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, April 9, PM Meloni stated that the European Union should consider a temporary suspension of budget deficit rules—as it did during Covid—if the USA-Israel and Iran war escalates, driving up energy costs.
- Why it matters: Italy's deficit is already above the 3% of GDP limit imposed by the EU. Meloni’s proposal reflects growing concerns over the sustainability of Italian public accounts amidst an economic slowdown worsened by the energy shock from the Middle East conflict.
Leonardo: CEO Cingolani to be replaced
- What happened: According to two sources close to the matter cited by Reuters, the Italian government is preparing to replace Roberto Cingolani as CEO of the defense group Leonardo. This would be a significant shift in the reshuffle of state-controlled company appointments.
- Why it matters: Leonardo is one of the main European defense groups, and its leadership is strategic for Italy in the context of rising military spending across Europe. The leadership change comes at a time when defense investments are being heavily re-evaluated on the continent.
Air traffic controller strike on April 10: flights canceled
- What happened: Italian air traffic controllers went on strike on Friday, April 10, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, causing significant flight cancellations and delays nationwide.
- Why it matters: The strike affected thousands of passengers during a period of heavy air traffic. The dispute reflects growing tensions in the Italian air transport sector, already under pressure due to the economic effects of the Middle East conflict on fuel prices.
Economy and Business
Italian services sector contracts for the first time in 16 months
Output in Italy's services sector contracted in April for the first time in 16 months, according to data released by Reuters. The Italian government is expected to lower its 2026 economic growth estimate this month to approximately 0.5%, down from the 0.7% forecast last autumn. The conflict in Iran is cited as a key factor in the deterioration of expectations.
Italian industrial production: +0.1% in February, trend worsening
Italian industrial production grew by only 0.1% in February compared to the previous month, disappointing expectations for a more robust recovery after two consecutive declines. The outlook is described as "worsening," with analysts noting that geopolitical uncertainty and rising energy costs are weighing heavily on Italian manufacturing companies.
Confindustria: the 0.5% base scenario was based on "optimistic" assumptions
Confindustria, the main association of Italian industrialists, had already warned in its half-yearly report: the 0.5% growth forecast for 2026 was based on an "optimistic assumption" that the conflict in Iran would end by the end of March. With the war still ongoing, growth prospects are deteriorating further, with direct effects on energy costs for households and businesses.
World News
USA-Iran ceasefire under pressure: Strait of Hormuz nearly stopped
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped to less than 10% of normal volumes despite the ceasefire, with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard signaling a halt to shipments. The White House has reiterated that the Strait "must remain open." This crisis affects Italy directly because over 20% of European crude oil imports pass through Hormuz, and a prolonged closure would drive gas and oil prices even higher, worsening Italy’s already fragile economic situation.
Israel attacks Lebanon: over 200 dead, world reacts
Despite the ceasefire with Iran, Israel has launched attacks in Lebanon that have resulted in over 200 deaths and 1,000 injuries, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. However, Netanyahu has simultaneously authorized direct negotiations with Beirut regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah and the normalization of bilateral relations. Italy, which has over 1,000 UNIFIL soldiers deployed in southern Lebanon, is closely monitoring the conflict's evolution.
Hungary votes Sunday: possible end of the Orbán era
Polls indicate that Viktor Orbán could lose his grip on power after 16 years in Sunday's vote in Hungary. A change of government in Budapest would have significant implications for Italy and the entire EU: Hungary has been an ally of Meloni in the bloc of European "sovereigntist" countries, and a defeat would reshape the political balance in Brussels.
Keep an eye on
1. Hungarian elections and the future of the European sovereigntist axis If Orbán loses on Sunday, Italy might find itself more isolated in Europe regarding its attempts to ease EU budget rules. It is worth following the election results and the initial reactions from Brussels and Rome.
2. The stability of the USA-Iran ceasefire and the Strait of Hormuz Each day the Strait remains nearly blocked adds pressure to energy prices. If traffic does not return to normal within a few days, new spikes in gas prices are expected, with direct effects on bills and inflation in Italy. The situation is extremely volatile.
3. Meloni's future after the referendum: government or coalition changes? Meloni has said she wants to stay, but the referendum defeat has weakened her position. Upcoming political polls (updated as of April 12 on politpro.eu) will measure the extent of the erosion in support. Internal coalition tensions are also worth watching.
Number of the day
Less than 10%: This is the percentage of normal shipping volumes detected in the Strait of Hormuz in the days following the USA-Iran ceasefire. Under normal circumstances, about 20% of the world's oil passes through that strait. This number makes the threat of a new energy price surge for Europe and Italy in particular very real — just as Rome is asking the EU to suspend deficit rules.
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