Italy

Italy's political sphere is consumed by controversy today as the Chamber of Deputies denied the acquisition of 'chat' evidence related to Andrea Delmastro Delle Vedove, a Member of the Chamber of Deputies for Brothers of Italy. This decision has led to significant turmoil and protests in Parliament. A confidential dossier from the Brothers of Italy party reportedly suggests that potentially personal and political conversations could be the reason for denying these chats to prosecutors. Giuseppe Conte, President of the Five Star Movement, has criticized Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, accusing her of protecting a political ally in the ongoing Delmastro case.

Adding to the national concerns, Italy is experiencing the peak day of a severe 'African heatwave,' with temperatures expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius in 27 cities, leading to dried-up riverbeds. This intense heat is projected to continue for another 20 days, offering little respite. Meanwhile, internal political struggles are evident within the governing coalition, with the Lega party reportedly in disarray over a €36 billion energy and arms deal, and Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti refusing to step down.

Further parliamentary debate has been sparked by Galeazzo Bignami, Brothers of Italy group leader in the Chamber of Deputies, whose statement suggesting that former President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro freed 300 mafiosi from the 41 bis prison regime caused significant uproar. In other news, Milanese shopping centers were evacuated following a bomb threat, and Prosecutor Patronaggio has highlighted the difficulties in investigating white-collar crime.