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Mattarella signs electoral law as opposition launches legal appeal

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President Sergio Mattarella officially signed the new electoral reform, known as "Melonellum," into law, a move that was immediately met with an appeal to the Consultative Council and public mobilizations by its opponents. The Five Star Movement has also made a move concerning Onorato, amidst ongoing political maneuvering following the reform's passage.

Separately, former Sicilian Regional Vice President Gaetano Armao is under investigation for corruption, with reports of bribes allegedly found by workers and even pocketed in the Senate. This comes as another probe reveals a judge requested leave for a deceased mother, drawing the attention of the Superior Council of the Judiciary.

Other domestic news includes a report on a paradox in the Italian pension system where non-contributors may receive higher allowances, and the cancellation of inflation adjustments for former politicians' pensions, leading to protests. Concerns are also being raised about national sovereignty as US investors and tech giants acquire Italian data centers. Mario Calabresi, a journalist, has announced his candidacy for Mayor of Milan.

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Electoral Reform Signed Amidst Legal and Public Opposition

President Sergio Mattarella has signed the new electoral reform, referred to as "Melonellum," into law. This action has prompted an immediate appeal to the Consultative Council by opposition groups and spurred public mobilizations against the controversial legislation. The Five Star Movement has also taken steps regarding Onorato in response to the law.

La Stampa New Electoral Law ↗
la Repubblica Melonellum, appeal to the Consultative and mobilizations: the campaign of the… ↗
Il Post The History of Italy's Electoral Laws: From 'Stabilicum' to 'Porcellum' ↗
la Repubblica The Quirinale: Mattarella signs the reform, the Colle's corrections already… ↗

New Corruption Probes Emerge

Former Sicilian Regional Vice President Gaetano Armao is under investigation for corruption, with allegations of 'small sums' found by workers and a bribe reportedly pocketed in the Senate. A Forza Italia deputy in Sicily is also implicated in the probe.

Il Fatto Quotidiano Armao, 'small sums' in pendulum found by workers ↗

Pension System Under Scrutiny

A paradox in the Italian pension system has been highlighted, revealing that individuals who have not contributed may be eligible for social allowances exceeding benefits for those who have worked. Separately, the inflation adjustment for former elected officials' pensions has been cancelled, leading to protests and threats of legal action.

Corriere della Sera Pension Paradox: Those who haven't contributed may receive a higher allowance… ↗
Il Fatto Quotidiano Inflation adjustment for ex-politicians' pensions scrapped ↗

Concerns Over Data Center Sovereignty

US investment funds and tech giants are increasingly acquiring Italian data centers, raising concerns about national sovereignty. A new campus near Rome is being developed by Digital Realty Trust, with major US funds as shareholders.

Il Fatto Quotidiano US investors and tech giants own data centers, risking sovereignty ↗

Mario Calabresi Announces Milan Mayoral Candidacy

Journalist and writer Mario Calabresi has announced his intention to run for Mayor of Milan, expressing his readiness for primaries and highlighting the city's need for increased attention and care.